Hello everyone! This is going to be a prequel story to one of my very favorite characters in Majora's Mask; Mikau the Zoran Hero. :) It is the starting point of a new series I'm making that stars the Zoran Hero himself and his friends. This is my first ever story, so please no flaming unless you want to roast some marshmallow with me this Christmas.
READ THIS BEFORE THE STORY: Just to clarified: I have given the Zoras their own terms, behaviors, society and various breeds/species base on real life fish. Terms such as Bull is use to describe a male Zora of shark ancestry or tadpoles/pups for younger Zoras of this breed category. Zoras of this group are also prone to attack by biting, clawing, or simply ripping their opponent's throats out (literary). This is done by many Zoras in the tale, but those who are sharks related do it more often during fights. Terminien Zoras are not afraid of unleashing their "inner-animal" in this story. To learn more about the Zoras and their behavior, breeds, and lifestyle, you should stop by my DeviantART (GeineaLombax) page when you get the chance. It'll make things more clear if you find yourself confused. But this is my interpretation of the Zoras in Termina. Terms will be explain at the end of the chapter just in case.
With that out of the way, have fun.
Just to be clear; No one, including me, on the internet owns The Legend of Zelda series or anything that has to do with it. They are property of Nintendo. This story is for entertainment purposes only.
Termina, Late December. 11:45 pm
Wind and snow wiped and lash in an unorganized flurry across the land of Termina, covering the world in powdery white. Humans and Hylians of the capital city of Clock Town hurriedly walk their way home from work to escape the harsh weather. The Deku Scrub, though untouched by the snow, had experience some uncomfortable winter frost in their swampy region down south. Gorons had retreated into the safety of their warm village home to escape the blizzard, only coming out of hiding when necessary.
The eerie wails from the sea echo across the Great Bay region for miles in the blinding storm. Pirate ships were caught off guard in the aggressive icy grasp of the semi-frozen ocean in their fatal mistake of hunting for rare and valuable Zoras at this time of year. Ships rock back and froth dangerously as the deadly waves of the angry ocean struck violently at the titanic warships, flipping several over and swallowing the crew members whole, never to be seen again. Blue lightnings flicker very briefly in the background, immediately follow by the colossal clap of thunder. During these flashes, they seem to form the shape of a mighty Eelectric Zora, tail lashing more electricity across the sky as it roar with thunderous energy.
Underwater, a rare blizzard of golden marine snow flurried about, decorating the already beautiful undersea realm in breathtaking gold. Vast towering reefs sea mounts, aquatic forests, marine plants, and orbs of shiny plankton of all colors cast their own array of colorful rainbow lights. Giant coral spiral and twist with elegant beauty, with many smaller corals and plant matter decorating their entire forms. Bubbles spew from large vent, and the waters illuminated a purple hue. Thousands of cities were scatter in every underwater terrain, some belonging to Mermaids. The rest were dominated by the beautiful Zoran race.
Zoras wail and chant in eerie songs throughout the madness of their own version of the snow storm. Cities across these oceans were bathe in chilly puffs of gold, and its aquatic inhabitants darted in all direction in celebration. The sign of golden snow is consider a blessing to many, believing their Goddess are rewarding them for their good deeds and worship.
And in the deeper depths of the Zoran territory, a strange, almost futurist city of a powerful, ancient warrior breed lay nestle in the cover of towering, great mountains surrounded by tree-like corals of all brilliant colors and species. Here too, the environment remain relatively similar in appearance, but the lifeforms from these waters were exotic and rare; with glowing reefs blooming in darker depths and the Zoras appearing to be of Mako Shark descendants. Their neon patches and fearsome eyes produce a mysterious, alien glow. Sharp claws and fangs glisten in the night's light, a silky smooth scales produce a vibrate arrays of aurora. No fluke exist at the end of their long tails, making it difficult to steer in a specific direction like other Zoras. Instead, they use their enormous pectoral fins to barrel roll in all directions. The fins in question are unique among the Zoras, for their are no ordinary pectoral fins; they were sharp edge weapons, the only one of their kind. The Zoras, lean and hard with compact muscles, silently stalk within the blinding blizzard, stopping every so often to stare at other Zoras of the same breed. Scars litter their bodies, earned from fierce battles they warred in just 200 years earlier...Eyes stood out in the blizzard, glaring intensely at suspicious or familiar Zoras. They flash their patches different colors, as if trying to communicate with signals. Others understood the message, and carry on with their patrols.
They are Sylovaakien Zoras, or Zoran Heroes; legendary breeds with the blessing of their Race's Goddess. They are valiant warriors with no fear of death, but had become wary of it since their breed is dangerously close to extinction...for war after war had hinder an already rare species to the brink.
Many of these Zoras were safely tuck away in their homes, tending to their broods. It was that time of year, the one everyone had waited for for a while now. The time of baring new young in a dying breed had finally come.
In the humble home of the upper class neighborhood, located deep within a lush, watery glade barely touch by the divine snow were a special family of warriors looking after their delivery. The residence is in fact a great palace made of rocky, durable coral, with more of the coral hugging the walls of the mansion and arching over the ceiling. Anemone grew on the corals, window sill, and on platforms. Piles of crystals and sapphires litter the palace, and many of the other jewelry had been use to decorate almost every inch of the multi-colored walls and great pillars of the house. Doors made of giant scallops lead to hundreds of rooms, one of which a few of the residences are currently occupying. Soon a new addition will be added to their family, waiting eagerly for the little one to hatch. A tiny Pearl Egg, brimming with stunning white, was nestle snugly within an aquarium, peacefully unaware of the drama unfolding in the world around it. The egg gave off a gentle glow as the baby Zora within sleeps, every now and then shifting to get more comfortable.
Looming shadows, giants compare to the very tiny egg, would a brief second of scary darkness over the little shell from outside the glass wall. Two adult Zoras swam in rhythm over and around the tank protectively, flashing their colorful patterns at one another as they guard their soon to be Zora child. The slightly smaller female, pink-white in color and baring shadowy violent details, violent arms and legs and gold trims around her body and hanging ear fins, would gently nudge the egg, as if encouraging the little one inside to free himself into the world. This was Ruuna, a distant descendant of royalties and chosen Sea Deities. Until recently, she had been a fierce Leviathan, general and superior Alpha Zora of the city, but had to pull back to care for her new egg. The male, a bleach white Zora with dark green patches, blue and red lines on his neck and chest, and yellow tint ear fins, will often reassure his companion with a nudge of his own as he fiercely guard their egg with her. His name is Nicoda, the top Alpha of the city. He was a commander, war strategist, and peace maker, related to noble Sea Deities from long ago.
A third Zora watch from afar in the other side of the room, glaring intently at the egg. He shifted his giant pectoral fins, inspecting their sharpness. He was ready for a fight, and he seem damn eager to duke it on with the female Zora, but one warning look from her mate kept him in place, knowing full well of what happen the last he fought either one of them.
That said, the other Zora resembles Ruuna, with the same color tattoo-like markings covering his entire body, and sheering white anywhere free of the elegant swirls. Unlike the expecting mother before him, both eyes are outlined with faint grey eye shadows, a trait only apparent in males of this breed type. The misty shadows on his eyes give the Zora a more menacing appearance compare to other Sylovaakien Zoras.
"Hmph," he grunted, disappointed he couldn't entertain himself.
Outside the lush coral mansion, the adult off-springs of the two expecting parents patrol every corner of their territory. They all inherited both of their parents' features, but two of the oldest also bore grey eye shadows like the lone male. There were only a measly number of these Zoras left in the family, five brothers and nine sisters, some from the same egg batch, rest random ages and 30 years apart. Each Zora bore heavy scars all over there bodies which obscure their beautiful tribal like patches, just as the rest of the citizens in these waters. The wounds told tale of great battles and many hardships throughout there lives. Bite marks litter their bodies. Some had broken or teared fins, others missing an eye, and one is seen having difficulties swimming straight with the lack of a pectoral fin.
War had done a number on the entire breed, tearing apart families and driving the survivors to near extreme measures...
The siblings are still trying to recover from their painful hardships, some nearly losing their sanity as terrifying memories and horrifying nightmares of demonic Zoras plague their sleep. Although the last war had finally ended over two centuries ago, it is still consider a very recent event for the long lived Zoras. Hopefully the arrival of their newest brother/sister will be just the cure they need to relieve their minds from the brutal fight...
"Nicoda," the mother said addressing to her partner. She stare at the egg with worry present on her facial features. "Its been a week now. Do you think it might have been...too late?"
Nicoda hugged her in reassurance, gently rubbing her back as she loop her arms around him. "Don't fret, my dear. Just give him a little more time. Other Sylovaakien Zoras had gone through similar cases as well. I'm sure he'll hatch soon."
"But...their tadpoles died within minutes of hatching," Ruuna reply back, remembering the dead infants of their companions and their heartbroken parents. "What if...he isn't strong enough? What if Nayru takes him to Her realm upon birth?"
"It wont happen, I promise. After all, She must have some pity for the families of Termina."
"Please, Nayru shows no pity," snarled the lone male by the corner. "The Gods of the Triforce only created life to give themselves superiority amongst the mortals. They never bother with us when we actually needed them, so don't get your hopes up. But if you're that concern over your pup's hatching, you can always hand the egg over to me." A snaky grin crept its way onto his face. "You know I'm great with kids."
Nicoda winced at the sound of his voice. He growl dangerously, exposing needle-like fangs as he whip his head to face the other. The Alpha Male gently push away from Ruuna and held her at arm's length. "I don't see why Adelar should be here at all," he whisper, hoping the rude Zora wouldn't hear him. "I know he's your father, but what good would it do for our children? He had never care for our other kin and even try to feed the Alpha of the neighboring city to a Gyorg once. How would he benefit our new pup?"
Ruuna look at the lonely little egg sitting in the tank. Her gaze downcast with a sorrowful expression. "This may be the only way he can redeem himself. If what he said is true and he's willing to bond with his newest grandson, then maybe we can finally get along and even unit the cities of Sylovaakiens...After all, he had been trying to fuse the two packs together to make one utopia and even try bonding with our other children."
'By using force and wrong motivations' her mate thought distastefully. However, Nicoda can only sigh and he return to his guardianship duties of protecting the egg with her. Ruuna had always try to see the good in her father even when the crimes he committed were against the breed's Code-of-Honor. Adelar had vow to change his ways in the recent years and had made some progress, but they were small and in between. Sighing once more, he cast his gaze over to his older kin, protecting their territory for the sake of their new baby sibling. He smile warmly at his sons and daughters, then continue to patrol around the nursery tank.
Time passed. The hours ticked away on the aquatic clock mounted on their wall. Every now and again, the parents would take turns with their adult children in guarding their territory. Adelar never left his spot; he only stared at the egg. He remains watching the pearly little thing intently, unreadable expression worn on his face, but his fins told another story. They seem extremely tensed, twitching between sheathing and unsheathing in desperation. He grunted, stood up and lifted a webbed flipper to approach the soon to be baby Zora, but stop mid-step. The Zora looked nervous, glancing almost wide-eyed as he took notice one of his grand daughters who's markings and fins made themselves known as she stared back just as blankly. The Bull Sylovaakien became mostly submissive, shrinking back to his corner as both parents return to the egg, with Nicoda showing his canines as they resort to hissing a warning. With the parents now back to the pearl egg, the Zora sighed and brought his knees to his chest where he rested his chin on. His eyes closed as his gills exhaled the salt water.
Feeling more or less comfortable, the Alpha Zoras gently nudge and nuzzle the egg in reassurance as they checked it. Occasionally, the Zoran couple will briefly spin around each other before continuing their original guardian duty. A fairly simple, yet beautifully enchanting performance to silently reassure the other of their bond and future child. The egg still showed no sign of any worthy movement, but it should be due to hatch at any day now, any moment.
The clock signals the approaching coming of midnight in the next few minutes. Being nocturnal, it is their equivalent of noon, so the Zoras did not think much of this...
A tiny life-form was curl in a ball, tuck away snugly in his little round shell. Beady pupil-less eyes remain shut for the large majority of his time here. His scales were as white as snow, and his crown sported black arrows that runs along his soft head. Puny shark-like pectoral fins twitch every so often, the creature blissfully unaware of the world beyond his warm, humid chamber.
He cozily slept in his tiny home that is his egg, though he doesn't know this. The baby Zora shifted slightly from time to time to get more comfortable, but each passing hour he became more restless. It had been some time that he had been in here, sleeping his nights away in a dreamless slumber. It was all the little Zora ever did, actually. But in doing so it had given him strength, strength to break free from the only world he ever knew.
He wiggle about, tail lapping under his form as he blindly poke the side of the shell. Pressing his tiny snout on the wall of the egg, the Tadpole dazzliy push against it. Nothing. He jab at it again, soft body trying to propel forward in the cramp sphere. But alas, he grew exhausted and drifted into sleep, curling himself into his previous position...
He heard a muffle voice. Soft and sweet, like milk and honey. It echoed within the walls of the pearl egg and reach his dreams. Something moved the egg, gently shifting it on the sandy nest in the aquarium.
The little Tadpole awoke again and, though very tire, was fuel with new determination to escape his puny confinement and see where the strange noise had come from. Shakily, he nudge the shell again, this time adding more pressure. He stop briefly to regain his already lost strength, but the will to experience freedom gnawed at his instinct. Forcing himself to accomplish his almost impossible task, the pup painstakingly push and bump into the shell, his body having difficulties from the lack of space to help move him forward.
An interesting event occur upon doing so: the dorm had develop a web shape crack. He heard muffle somethings for another time outside his container. Strange as it is, for some unexplained reason, the very sound encourage him to keep pressing forward.
For awhile he jab away at the weak point of his barrier, each time expanding the crack further. The sound of the shell breaking reach his sensitive ears, and white light seep in through the cracks. He push away some more, wreaking the roof away and creating an large enough exit. The pup's head had squeeze through the new opening of his little domain and the welcoming frigid water pour in on him from all direction. The white light blinded him, and the tiny creature had no choice but to shut his eyes with a pained whimper. His took his first breath though his barely noticeable mouth, and release it out though his gills. He heave slightly, his body shaking as he close his beady little eyes.
That voice spoke again, sounding worry yet comforting all the same. With all the will he had left, the individual wiggle the rest of his way out to freedom, remaining afloat in the water's soft current. This was short lived, however, for he soon sunk to the bottom, laying on his side with eyes close and heaving. The soft voice spoke another time, and this gave him the will to open his eyes and push himself off the ground. He blink a few times, for his vision was blurred. Eventually, he clear his head of the fuzzy image, and for first saw a strange new world of wonders. So many bizarre things around him in all shapes and sizes. He saw his new home, made of strong durable coral with elaborated colors. Bubbles ooze from cracks and crevices and soft currents brush against the branches of coral blooming within the home. Everything glowed beautifully, and had peak his curiosity.
Suddenly, the expecting parents look at their egg in alarm, the rest of the small pack following suit. Adelar also perk with interest. A crack had materialize its way onto the protective shell of the tiny egg, just as the clock struck midnight. It shifted slightly, then the parents saw a bugle press against the weak point, a tiny nose poking its way out in the process. The Zoras' heart swelled in excitement and deep affection at the sight before them. The siblings swam excitingly around them, unleashing clicks and whistles to further encourage the infant creature into the world.
"The baby's coming!" chime Runna in happiness. "I can't believe it! He's going to hatch!"
Every one stare in the direction of the hatching egg. The shiny surface of the pearl ripple from the reflected colors. It shook briefly, and the small opening expand.
The tiny baby poke at the broken surface again, now determine to break free. Its little head push its way through the shell, weak pectoral fins trying to support itself as it crawl its way to freedom before stopping to breath heavily. It was cut short, however, by the same urge to brake free, the feeling strong and demanding. He regain his weak, puny strength again, pushing and pulling from the hard yet fragile egg. Struggling from the difficult task, yet sparking with the unnatural determination, the baby Zora finally broke himself free and into the world. The pack watched the whole time, both now over flooded with passion and new fond love for the tiny baby as they approach the little one with quite squeaks.
Ruuna's giant hand gently came down to stroke his head, rubbing the fingers carefully on the fragile little creature. At first the Tadpole did not know how to react to this sudden touch; the hand block most of his view of the person. This change when the person carefully scoop him up in their palms. He squeak fearfully began to squirm in a desperate attempt to get away and hide. The giant hush to him soothingly, ultimately calming the newborn and tucking him in their arms. The small Zora blinked his fear away, and his eyes landed upon a strange creature looking back at him. She was gigantic, the biggest he ever seen so far. Soft eyes, whitish scales, colorful patterns, and a unique fish-like appearance told him this creature was special. She worn a kind smile with a relief and joy in her eyes. Noises emerge from her mouth, the voice he had heard matching hers. He took in her appearance and her smell, and instinctively recognize her as his mother.
"Hello there," his father cooed gently. The other Zoras were circling around their baby brother, nudging him and stroking his head carefully. He squeak, a tiny "Meep," to secure his curiosity had grown. With all the strength he could summon, the baby Zora shakily try to swim up to meet his brothers and sisters.
It was short lived however, when the tiny Zora sunk to the floor with a glazed look in his eyes, skin growing pale. The happy mood quickly evaporated in the salt water and was replace with horror. The adults immediately wasted no time and quickly examine the baby. To their dismay, he is extraordinarily tiny, a little runt at that. Despite the time of year where babies of their breed are born with no problem, this little guy almost look premature. He is dangerously weak, and if not received proper attention, he'll quickly die.
Ruuna's eyes were wide. She wipe around to address her family. "Nicoda! Get the mages here right away! Aditu, help me try to keep him alive until the medics arrive!..."
During all the hassle, Adelar stared from his area in slight interest. His expression gives away the impression of boredom, yawning as he watch from his spot in the house. When the baby in the tank came into view, his veins ran to an icy halt. His Blue eyes widen in surprised shock, then twitched violently. The Zora slowly pulled his lips back to reveal his own set of razor sharp canines, an insane, predatory leer reflecting his facial features. He stalk toward the bedding, no longer caring if the other Zoras see him. His pectoral fins double in size and sharpen in a blink of an eye. Growls and sneering sounds escaped his throat and he was soon upon the weak and fragile tadpole. The tiny baby laid on his side heaving, pitiful squeaks hoping to go answer by one of the older Zoras as he feebly try to wiggle his little fins. The male was ready. He pull his right arm back, heaving crazily, ready to strike down the newly introduce infant and rid of it forever. His eyes blazed bloody red, seething mad.
One Zora, the oldest named Darel, took notice of his grandfather's sudden change in behavior. Noticing the red glow of his eyes, the Zoran Hero quickly stood between him and his brother. He growled a warning, shifting his fins to their blade forms. Adelar stopped briefly, watching his grandson with calculating eyes. Snarling, he suddenly lunged. Darell charge, swinging his mighty fins to his opponent. Adelar duck and swoop up with fast reflexes, biting the other in the throat. The younger Zora slash wildly at his opponent's chest, but Adelar seemed almost unfazed by this. He shook him a bit before tossing him aside as if he were trash. Now its just him and the Tadpole.
For the tiny tadpole, all he can do is watch helplessly as the terrifying form of his grandfather stalked menacingly closer to him. Little blue eyes suddenly grew in fear, and terrified squeaks emitted from his tiny mouth hoping to be anwser.
Adelar pull his arm back to end the innocent life before him when a furious trill of rage froze him. He turned. A flash of neon with a sickening *slash!* following and vision instantly blurred the split second he spied his daughter's wild and savage rage hurling at him with open fins like a winged rocket. The world fell silent and unsteady, spinning slowly as sickly red blinded everything beyond visibility before darkening. The Zora's eyes glazed over as he floated away from the tiny runt, legs kicking in futile attempt as his life force ebb away. His neck had been slit open by a blade.
The little tadpole's mother was already with him, shielding him with her fins protectively as she reassure her newborn child of his safety and comfort, petting, nudging and snuggling their cheeks to make him comfortable. She took him out and sat on the floor Darell shakily swam to his mother's side, his neck bleeding from the bite he received. Ruuna inspected his wound, stroking his gently cheek with one hand while holding the crying baby with the other.
By then, her mate had reenter the room, two other Sylovaakien Zoras accompanying him on either side, their glittering patches lit and their sword fins drawn. The two Zoras growl disapprovingly at the dying Zora and swam to examine the tiny Zora. Nicoda swam to his mate's and sons' side as his other kin cautiously spied their dying grandfather.
The mages inspected the tadpole, checking him over for any sign of illness. The little creature gave tiny sad squeaks, his equivalent of crying, as little bubbles escape from his beady blue eyes. He was understandingly scared, and seeing him trying to nuzzle closer to his mother for protection, with his face bury in her soft belly while still emitting tear bubbles, was beginning to wrench at his parents and siblings' hearts the longer they watch.
However, a tiny glow had capture their attention and redirected a distraught Ruuna to look down as well in wide, shocked eyes. The Sylovaakien Zoras stared silently as the tiny pectoral fins of the little Zora glowed small heavenly light. The hue were bathe in gold, with three blue orbs occupying the sides and top of the golden light. The blue dots themselves glowed brightly with the rest of the light, casting curving gold and sapphire. The lights soon faded away, unraveling an all to familiar jewel symbol neatly erect on the tadpole's fins.
The Zoras in the room were in awed shock. And for good reason. The older siblings wore bewilder expressions at the mere sight of the gold and blue patterns. The two mages were struck speechless, looking between the tadpole and the twitching Zora with sudden hatred. Ruuna stood and stepped away from her off spring to have a better view of his fins. In respond to his sudden exposure, the baby Zora hurriedly and to the best of his ability wiggle his way over to her and once again burying his face into his mother chest fearfully. The female Zora cradle her baby, keeping her tiny one close to her. The markings were as clear as a blue moon, and are the same shape and color of the prized stone of the Zora people. The Zora's Sapphire, otherwise known as The Mark of Nayru by the said species. It is to only appear in those worthy of serving as the ocean's guardian angels, and upon observing his child a moment longer the Nicoda finally came to an understanding.
"The Sea Deity," he breathed in disbelief, loud enough for the other Zoras to pick up his message. Realizing what he just said, he quickly counter with the simple response. "I did't mean it literary. Its probably a reassurance from Nayru considering he's so tiny." He reach a hand for the baby Zora, only to have him squeak in terror at the sight of his giant palm and causing him to pull back.
"I see," a mage blankly stated as she stared at the miniature symbols.
The little tadpole snuggle close to his mother, staring wide-eyed at the buff male before him. He wanted to flee, to swim away from him. His own father had been giving off his own bad vibe around them and the young Zora could sense it. He seek further protection from his mother. If this Zora is anything like the other male, he'll have every reason to be terrified.
The Mages glared at the injured Sylovaakien, fully understanding his disturbing action against their newest member of the family.
"Pitiful filth," hissed one of the two Sylovaakien Mages, catching the Alpha male's attention. He never looked up, but the Alpha knew who he was addressing too. That pathetic excuse of a Zoran Hero who had the audacity to try and murder an innocent newborn Zora for selfish desires. His newborn.
The other Sylovaakien beside the one who spoke gave an irritated sigh, face stern and her eyes colder then the icy waters surrounding them. "He had failed to redeem himself. Such a crime against the weak should only be punishable by death." The Mako Zora swam to the downed fiend, inspecting his pulse as she press two fingers on his wrist. His brilliant white scales had lost their sparkling beauty. All that remain are pale cold skin under her touch. His vibrate "tribal-markings" had lost their color, becoming dull and dark. His now cloudy eyes stare blankly back at the living Zora, the yellow coloration leaving its host as his now paler, original blue eye-color return to his orbs. A mysterious purple mist evaporated from his gaping mouth into the water, eventually dissolving entirely.
"He's half-dead, Alphas. What should we do to him? He isn't of our city, after all."
Nicoda looked over to his beautiful partner solemnly. She still cradle the tiny Zora in her muscular arms, who stared back at her with little fins wiggling almost happily. He had calmed down, and now seeks for cuddles. A good start. "My love...What do you wish to do with Adelar? He is after all your father..."
The female Zoran Hero seem to no longer hold any concerns for her own father when she spoke, but Nicoda and his kin could see otherwise in her seemingly cold gaze. There was a tint of sadden and even regret spinning in her pools of violent. "Remove his pectoral fins completely and get him out of my sight. For now on he will be downgraded to Rouge status. If he dies however, take him someplace far away to the edge of a drop-off and bury him there in the cover of night. If he survives and tries to come back, attack him on sight. We can't take anymore chances."
Obeying her command without second thoughts, the two warriors picked up Aderlar's motionless body and swam out of the mansion in a graceful pace, not at all bother by the Zora's weight. With the others gone to carry out their secret task, the other Zoras heave and sighed in relief. With the danger now non-existing, the young Sylovaakiens close in on their mother, checking if their brother is going to be okay. They huddle in to talk reassuringly to their new little brother, with Nicoda lightly pushing his way in to join in the group huddle. After a stressful day, all he wish to do is to be with his son. However, the Alpha female shy away from her own family, turning her arms away from them as she look back sternly yet regretfully. The other Zoras edge away and stare back in confusion, some almost looking hurt by her sudden desire to disallow them to view their own baby brother.
Only Nicoda and a few of his eldest daughters seem to come to realize the propose of her behavior. A look in the tadpole's general direction is enough to confirm their theory.
He was scared, shivering in dread at the mere sight of unfamiliar Zoras. His beady little eyes were tightly shut, trying to block out the overwhelming number of strangers. His body wrack as he sob from his fear, his tiny fins trying to cover his teary eyes. Bringing his tail close to his body, he curl into a tiny, shaking ball and painstakingly turn himself over into his mother's chest, where his face once again remain conceal from the world.
The encounter with his possessed grandfather had left him traumatize.
A new form of hatred fumed into Nicoda's conscience. Father-in-Law or not, the monster who served as his children's grand-sire had mentally scarred his baby son in his madness in hopes of obtaining the possible Sea Deity's role...Sea Deity...He didn't know weather to believe in such thing or if this is a false alarm.
The mother of his child directed her hazy gaze at her mate, clearly upset by her father's wrongdoings. She still kept the baby away protectively, almost as if she were expecting one of her own kin or mate to suddenly go out and attack them.
"The pup is extremely scared," she stated slowly. "He needs some time to calm down and adjust to his new surrounding accordingly."
"What are you trying to imply, Ruuna?" Nicoda said. He honestly knew what she's going on about, but due to her almost deadly glare, he had to be sure she doesn't swim away with their son to Goddess-knows-where. There had been cases where Sylovaakien mothers would swim away with their tadpoles and disappearing for years because they deem the current location unsafe. They'll become violent, and refuse to return until their now older guppies grew their iconic fin blades, which can take five to ten years. This leads their male partners in a state of desperation and panic, something Nicoda never want to endure.
Ruuna sigh and brought the tiny Zoran Hero closer to her neck and hugged him, her cheek rubbing gently against his soft, squishy head. "I'll spend some time alone trying to comfort him and help him gain his confident. At the moment the only Zora he fully trust is me, so I'll have to leave for the meantime so he'll outgrow his fear."
Aditu looked alarm. Her eyes grew worry at what her mother just stated. "You don't mean-"
"Honey, its only for a little while. Please understand that in order for him to accept his family, he'll some time to relax." She then directed her gaze to her mate, softer then they were before. "It's for his own good."
The Alpha male couldn't help but sigh. He knew she was right. The child was immediately attached to his mother and therefore she would be the only Zora to make him come out of his shell and see the world in a different light. Any other Zora's approach to the little one is for now out of the question. "You're right," he replied stroking her arm with an outstretched hand. "He's only a baby. He'll need some mother-son time in this case to ease the tension. Go ahead. Take him and shed him some light. Just don't be gone for tens years. After all, you are the city's main Alpha Female, and an Alpha Bull* can't run the city without his best Leviathan and newborn pup."
Ruuna nodded, feeling much better now. "I know where to take him in the meantime. I'll be sure he'll be ready to meet our family and the rest of the pack tomorrow at nightfall." With fare wells to her family, Ruuna kick off the ground and spin her way towards the exit. She stopped briefly for a moment and look back at her family, her child snuffling about in her embrace feebly. "Take care until then."
Soon she was out of the home, leaving a starry trail of glittering streaks and neon bubbles in her wake as she disappear into the golden blizzard and dense coral forest.
The memory of the Sapphire's appearance were clear in Nicoda's conscience. His kin meanwhile stare blankly at the portraits on the wall, each one showing off a past Sea Deity from both family groups. His family had been aware of their bless bloodlines, one of royalties and one of nobility, both baring Sea Deity warriors for many eons. It had been kept an ancient secret from even their closest friends to avoid unwanted attention
Nicoda look at his kin. They seem tense now, watching him with those almond shapes. The father stood tall and stare sternly at his sons and daughters.
"Listen, I am going to contact the Malletila Zoras of Great Bay Temple. This could be a very serious matter we are dealing with."
The Zoras wanted to protest, but the stare their father gave them made them pull back. Some sigh while others agree to his mission.
"We understand, dad," Darel nodded in understanding. "If its for the good of our baby brother, then go ahead. But be sure to make it here by nightfall tomorrow. Don't want to give Mom any ideas of swimming away for good."
Nicoda nodded. Making sure everything's in order, he gave them temporary rolls in city leaderships before jetting out of their home. He blaze over the mountains and began his long journey to the distant Temple of the Bay.
Temple of Nayru, 2:14 am
A towering statue of a Divine Zora stood proudly in the great chamber. Neon symbols radiated from the great beige walls of the large temple. Giant pillars lined themselves on each side of the chamber, arching over the ceiling where they met in harmony. Orbs of purple florescence lights were wedge into the pillars, illuminating a tranquil path of light for those who lost their way. The room way square in structure, with elaborated decoration of jewelry speckling every which way. Piles of tiny diamonds, pearls, gold, silver, any kind of precious stones where staked everywhere in the room, a treasure hoard for treasure hunters. In the mist of all the shiny offerings, the Zora's Sapphire remain afloat beyond the shimmering stones and hung on the statue's neck, glowing a heavenly light.
A gentle current blew across his tiny face as he open his eyes. Once they did, he was greeted with the sight of his beautiful mother staring back at him, her eyes welled in kindness. She smile compassionately at the little pup nestle in her arms as she bend over and kiss him in between his blues orbs.
The baby waved his fins in her direction, reaching out for her as he beg her full attention. She responded by blowing soft bubbles onto his puny face, a Zora's way of showing added affection. Her great hand stroked the top of his head while her thumb rub his soft cheek soothingly. She carefully poke his nose with her index finger of her stroking hand, earning a barely audio chirp in return. The pup cover his snout with both pectoral fins in response, quickly follow by a high pitched squeaky sneeze, bubbles spraying from his nose and eyes tightly shut. He glance back at Ruuna, appearing alarmed by his foreign actions.
Ruuna brought him up, resting her forehead against the baby's. She purred lovingly, her body rumbling in her moment of bliss. The little tadpole made small purrs of his own, releasing cooing sounds as he melt into the moment. He rub his crown against hers, eyes close at the comfort he's receiving. He feels safe, the trauma of earlier events flickering away like the dying light as he receive the love he desperately needed. He soon nibble on the bridge of her noes, where a Sylovaakien's lateral line is located. His felt his mother pull back a little in slight surprise, unintentionally scaring her child. The tadpole trying to shake, a tear-bubbles seep from his sapphire pools as he release an upset whimper. Ruuna shush him with calm petting and nuzzles, reassuring him he was safe.
"To think you might be the Sea Deity..." Ruuna voiced her thoughts as she cuddle his fragile body. "That has to be it, you must be Nayru's next Sea Deity..Why else would a worshiper of Majora turn on his own grandson?"
Ruuna sighed. She watch as the hour old tadpole snuffle at her flipper with a degree of interest. Pushing the depressing thought out of her mind, she try to focus on her baby. Despite his weaker body then that of healthier Tadpoles, her offspring is showing signs to fighting through the odds. Nayru and her Sisters wouldn't pick anyone to bare ownership of their respective symbols. She watch in understanding as he wiggle his tail to swim toward her face, resting on her head moments later from the lack of energy. Most runts will lay on their side and barely react to anything in front of them, too weak to move. This little guy, however, struggle to actually try certain activities. It reminded her of one of her ancestors who was a renown Sea Deity.
"You need a name...something special..." the mother pause to think, trying to recall past Sea Deities with interesting names. After a moment of thinking and having a baby nibble on her silky ear fins, see tuck him in to face him with a smile. "I think I'll call you...Mikau, which means 'Night'. A name just like your ancestors; Miaku, your father's distant relative, and Mikura, my ancient Sire. Miaku means 'Star' and Mikura means 'Moon.' They were both great Sea Deities back in their day, and you seem to fit perfectly among them. Do you like that?"
Mikau seem to brighten at the sound of his new name. He wiggle his fins, wagging his tail as he reach for her. Tiny squeaks were heard. Ruuna smile at her Tadpole and continue her snuggling session.
Soon, he rested on her head as the raising light of Din's sun illuminated the pristine seas. The storm had died down sometime in the middle of the night, and only traces of marine snow dust flutter all over the ocean through frozen rocks and ice. The Sun had climb higher up in the sky, awakening the Terminian inhabitants to restart their lives. Sylovaakiens had retreated into hiding, resting the day away in their homes. Ruuna had since fallen asleep, resting on her sides as she dreamed peacefully. Her pup remain nuzzle by her head, tiny blue tongue poking from his mouth as his fins and tail tip twitched occasionally. He remain in total bliss, happy at the cuddles and love he receive from his Mommy-Zora. Already he was deeply attach to her, and his special bond made him forget all the bad and the scary. To him, he could remain like this forever...Just him and his mother, together.
Sea Deity-Also known as "Nayru's Knight(s)", Sea Deities are titles given to any Zoran Hero who is born with the Zora's Sapphire permanently imprinted of their sword fins. Sea Deities are chosen by Nayru herself to protect the oceans of Termina from grave danger. The chosen Zoras can be either male or female; the genders are mostly random with no specific order. If a Zora is wrothy enough to bare the Mark of their respected Goddess, then they are chosen. Sea Deities are born once every 12,000 years.
Zora's Sapphire: The symbol of the Sapphire is not limited to Zoran Heroes; every breed of Zora in Termina has their own chosen ones with their own titles. An individual from a certian breed will be chosen depending on the cycle. Again, chosen Zoras can be either male or female. The symbols may sometime appear on a Zora who isn't chosen; this will only happen to reassure the parents that their offspring will pull through if they are feeble or sickly during hatching.
Rough-A term often use to describe a unwanted Zoran criminal. Zoras in this group are dangerous and therefore are usually sentence to exile or prison. They may be attack by other Zoras if they trespass.
Miaku and Mikura-Mikau's ancestors and both Sea Deities back in the day. Although they share similar names, they were born in different timelines to different families: Miaku was alive before the fall of the Ikana Kingdom while Mikura was born after the kingdom met its demise.
Hope you enjoy the first chapter. Please let me know how I did. :) I'm more of an artist then a writer, so feedback is helpful in learning. :3