Chapter 4

Just a little bit more, Sidon thought as his lungs heaved from the exertion of running with the heavy lizalfos draped over his back. His back twinged and legs wobbled with each step, and the corners of his vision darkened as exhaustion and pain from his dried-out scales overwhelmed his senses. He no longer felt the icy bite of snow below his feet or the chilling wind that weaved through the pine trees. His only focus was getting them as far away from their captors as possible.

Eventually, when the glow of the sun centered and filtered through the cloudy sky, Sidon's pace slowed to an uneven gait before he collapsed next to a steep and rocky hill. It gave them some protection from the environment. He hoisted the lizalfos until they lay side by side. Closing his eyes to relish in the relief of his muscles, he slowed his breaths to calm the adrenaline that coursed through his system.

The only other time he had felt this exhausted was on the thirtieth anniversary of his dear sister's death. The day had been somber, as usual, and many Zora approached him and expressed their sadness for such a tremendous loss. Some even shared their memories of her with him, as if it would relieve the ache he felt in his heart whenever staring at the erected statue of her. However, it only fueled the anger that coiled so tightly in his stomach. Why did they get to have so many fond memories of his dear sister while he only had a couple? Why couldn't he hold the image of his sister for more than a second? He had been so young at the time of her death and could only recall the feelings of the memories rather than what actually happened.

Frustrated with the unfairness of his dear sister's death, Sidon had stormed to his father's chambers to rant about his woes. Yet, as he arrived, the guards forbid him from going inside. His father needed time to mourn his loss without any disturbances, even from his son. That only pissed Sidon off more. How dare his father leave him to suffer on his own! They had both lost someone important.

The hot-rage inside him reached its boiling point, threatening to explode on the next person who spoke to him. He had needed to escape. To get away from his selfish father. Away from the slough of Zoras who thought they were helping him. And away from that damn statue that captured everything about his dear sister except for the spark of life in her vibrant gold eyes.

So without notifying his attendees or guards, Sidon dove from the top of The Great Zora Bridge into Ruto Lake and left the city. He propelled through the water with impressive speed. Only when he reached Zora River did he stop and allow the currents take him down stream. He glared at the overcast sky and the heavy drops of rain that splashed his face.

Everything about Mipha's death was unfair.

An hour passed, and Sidon decided he had calmed down enough to head home. That is until he spotted three red bokoblins jumping around a campfire. His rage returned ten-folds. It was Ganon Calamity's fault his dear sister death! Her murder! And these disgusting beasts were in league with Ganon. They were mindless killing machines that terrorized Zora swimming by. They deserved to die.

As he crept to the river bank, his mind detached from his body. He didn't feel his arm raise his spear. Or when he sprung from the water. Or hear the surprised gasps as he sunk his spear into the closest bokoblin. Soon battle cries and clanging metal filled the air. The bokoblins hadn't stood a chance. Within minutes, they dropped heavily to the ground, bloodied and disfigured. Chest heaving, Sidon stood above them victoriously.

Observing their lifeless bodies, his adrenaline and anger dissipated. In its place came overwhelming despair and guilt. He had killed without remorse to relieve himself of his grief. But it hadn't work. In fact, he felt worse physically and mentally. What would his dear sister think seeing him taking a life for selfish gain?

The bokoblins left Sidon bruised, covered in scratches, and sporting a deep puncture wound in his belly. His left knee throbbed with each step, and he could hardly think past the headache that bloomed behind his eyes. Exhaustion seeped into his bones as he left the campsite and returned to the depths of Zora River.

He could only remember bits and pieces of his journey home, and when he recalled re-entering Ruto Lake, his mind reached a blank spot in his memory. Later, he awoke in the healing pools of Zora Domain's infirmary with just enough energy to turn his head toward his worried father who sat at his bedside. He had learned that a Zora guard noticed his drifting unconscious body from the bridge above. He had nearly bled to death from the wound on his belly.

The tiredness he felt when admitting to his father the reason behind his battered condition was on par to the tiredness he felt at the moment, laying next to the lizalfos, thanks to Jebb and his companions.

Get up, he imagined his dear sister whispering to him. Heal him.

Despite their differences, despite their affiliation with opposite sides of their ongoing war, Sidon would help the lizalfos as much as he could. If it weren't for their cooperation, Sidon would still be in the hands of Jebb and on his way to the auction house. And for that, the Zora prince was grateful. He would ensure the safety and health of his new alliance until it ended, much to Sidon's dismay, when they parted ways.

Arms struggling against his weight, he crawled closer to the lizafos. He hovered his hands over the injured creature's chest and allowed the dormant heat in the pit of his stomach to spread up his chest, down his arms, and to his fingertips. A green glow encased the lizafos, and slowly his cuts began sealing shut and bruising began to lighten from a deep purple to a faint brown.

Unlike his dear sister's, his abilities would only heal the superficial wounds and maybe some of the more dire ones. The crooked arm, which he took a break from healing to set, would still need several days to a couple weeks before it was completely better. If he had the proper medical supplies, he would splint it. But until then, he would have to make sure the lizalfos avoided using his arm.

When finished, Sidon sagged to his side. The last of his energy seeped from his body, and he spent the next few minutes cusping on the edge of consciousness. He never noticed as the lizalfos stirred, nor when its eyes fluttered open. It was when the lizalfos made a gasping sound that caused Sidon to spring back up, eyes darting around the forest for Jebb and their captors. He sighed with relief once he realized the source of the noise.

"I am glad you are awake. Our plan was a success-we have escaped," he said.

The lizalfos blinked several times before turning his head toward Sidon. His eyes widened with surprise, and he tried to push himself up. A groan slipped passed his lips, and he slumped back down. Sidon gently told him not to move.

"It will be a few days before your wounds heal. I did my best with the more critical ones-your arm specifically. You should not use it for some time. You have suffered a severe break."

The lizalfos looked down at his hands. He growled at the sight of his shackles. Lifting his good hand up, he shook it, causing the chains to jingle. He scowled at Sidon.

"I dropped the keys during the fight," said Prince Sidon, apologetically. "We can break the chains to give you full motion of your arms and legs, but the cuffs will have to be picked. Unfortunately, my lock picking skills are nonexistent."

He looked around for something that could help them break the chains instead. Not far from where they sat was a tooth-shaped rock as long as his forearm. Struggling to his feet, Sidon staggered over and lifted it with a grunt. Normally, he could lift nets bulging with fish, much heavier than the rock, without breaking a sweat. Yet, with his body the way that it was, his arms strained under the weight.

"Perhaps this will do the trick." He hauled the heavy rock toward the lizalfos. "I will be careful not to crush your hands."

After helping the lizafos sit up, Sidon moved the creatures hands until they rested on the ground with the chain extended to its full length. He lifted the rock above his head and slammed it down. A loud clang echoed the forest. But the chains remained in tact. He struck them again and again.

"These chains are stronger than I give them credit for. I don't think a rock with break it," the Zora prince said.

The lizalfos grunted and slumped back to the ground. For a moment, Sidon wondered if he had fallen back to sleep. However, a deep rumbled came from deep in the lizalfos' chest, and the creature flopped over on his side and pushed himself up, once more, with his good arm. He winced and swayed. Sidon's arm shot out to balance the lizalfos.

"Where do you come from?" the Prince asked, then he shook his head. The lizalfos couldn't speak Sidon's tongue. Only yes-or-no questions were manageable.

To his surprise, the lizalfos leaned forward and outstretched both arms. With a finger, he began writing in the mud below. When he finished, he gestured for Sidon to come closer. The Zora prince's mouth dropped open as he could actually read and understand the words.

Zora Domain, the lizalfos had wrote.

"Y-You can write in our language, as well as understand it," Sidon said, stunned.

I was taught to I could translate intercepted letters from your militia and allies.

"Th-That's…" Sidon was speechless. Yet another revolution, despite the reason the lizafos gave him, that impressed him. Now they could communicate! Shaking his head, he pushed his shock aside and asked, "Where in the Domain do you live?"

North of Ralis River, he wrote. There's a small faction residing in the trees.

Sidon nodded. He was aware of the small group of lizalfos by the pond. Their leader, a black lizalfos with a missing eye and deadly sword skills, was one of the reasons why Zora avoided the pond. That and the blue hinox that also resided close by.

"What about your name?"

Opening his mouth, the lizalfos made a series of chirping sounds.

"I'm afraid I can't understand you." Sidon chuckled.

The lizalfos eyes twinkled, as though he found Sidon's lack of ability amusing. It means opposing currents caused by tidal flow, he wrote.

"A riptide!" the Zora prince exclaimed. Then the thought dawned on him. "Perhaps that's what I can call you-Riptide."

The lizalfos-Riptide-nodded.

Sidon grinned. The lizalfos' cooperation was remarkable! He was easy to reason with and displayed a great deal of trust worthiness. At least, so far. He would keep his guard up no matter what, but perhaps they could help each other out.

"I doubt we will make it back to our homes alone in our conditions," Sidon said. He locked gazes with Riptide and offered a soft smile. "What do you say, my friend, to us working together one more time?"


A/N: I apologize for the delay. I promise it won't take over a month for the next chapter. I got caught up with school, work, NaNoWriMo, and a hospital adventure. Sorry for any mistakes that will, no doubt, appear. And thank you so much for reading my fanfiction.

Name Reference: Sidon is like Poseidon, and Poseidon's weapon is Riptide. Like the Greek god and his trident, Sidon's and Riptide's existences are now intertwined.