"You're going up there?" Col went further and dramatically pointed up at the mountain looming over the Zora Domain. It seemed like it would reach up to the very heavens themselves like some kind of legendary mountain that only the great dragons could get to.

"Yup. I have to get those Shock arrows in order to get to the Divine Beast," Link said with a nod, chuckling to himself at Col's reaction.

Col only gave him a look, unamused by his happy demeanor at the moment.

"There's a lynel up on Shatterback Point that he can get the arrows from. It'll be a harrowing challenge, but I know Link can do it! I believe in him, and he's our hero after all," Sidon said with an even happier demeanor that Col would categorize as admirable but nauseating at the same time.

"You remember I had to save you from a lynel, right? I should definitely come with you. I'll be worried sick if you go up there by yourself," Col said, crossing his arms stubbornly. Knowing there was a lynel up there, using Shock arrows no less, made him sure that just the trek up there wasn't dangerous enough.

"I'm afraid this is something only Link can do. We have to stop that Vah Ruta before this whole place is flooded. There is little time, and the only way to get up to Shatterback Point quickly is up a tall waterfall. Link is the only one with the special armor that can swim up it. I wish I could send you with him, but there is only one set of armor that fits Link perfectly." Sidon's look seemed genuinely apologetic. Col cursed under his breath. For now, there really wasn't any other way. He could attempt to climb up that mountain, but there was no way, even with his teleportation magic, that he'd make it there with Link.

"Alright, well, I'll be waiting here for your return then. Best of luck, Link," Col finally conceded. He had been helping out and fighting by Link's side for a short while, really, but he felt bonded to him. He wanted to protect him, knowing the expectations on him. If there was anything good he had learned from being in the Yiga clan, it was to forge your own destiny. Link was bound to the destiny of being Hyrule's hero, but he also wanted to make sure Link was living his life how he wanted to as well. He noticed that Link looked the happiest when he was free.

With a reluctant wave, Col watched as Link left the Domain and disappeared into the pouring rain, headed towards the sheer cliffs. His hand faltered once Link was out of sight, moving to rest over his own heart. Part of him knew Link would be alright, but another couldn't help but worry. After all, he had watched many of his Yiga comrades leave the hideout for various missions and never return. The icy stares from many of the Zora reminded him of just how much disdain many in these lands had for the Yiga. It was never meant to be like this. He truly believed in the ideals and the reasons the Yiga clan broke off, but the harm done to innocent lives definitely wasn't.

"Col, was it?" A hand on his shoulder made him jump a bit, forcing him out of his dazed thoughts. He glanced up to see Prince Sidon still there. "I was wondering if we could have a word while we wait for Link to return. I'd like to know more about you. I know many here, well, don't really like you now that it's known you were part of the Yiga, but I want to understand your story before I make judgements of my own."

"Oh, of course. I'd love to." Col was genuinely surprised. The fear of being treated differently, like the enemy, was why he kept his bandana hidden and simply said he was a traveller. Sidon led him to a small deserted plaza in the domain so they were still sheltered from the rain. Col sat on the ground across from him, biting the inside of his cheek at wondering what Sidon was going to ask.

"So, what would you like to know?" he asked, deciding to break the ice first.

"Let's see, so, you're..I mean were part of the Yiga clan, correct? What was it like, and why did you leave?" He could tell Sidon was trying to hide the fact that he was nervous, but at this point, Col was used to dealing with that.

"Yes, I was. Technically, I'm still somewhat a part of it..in their eyes at least. They were all my family. We trained together, ate together, we did practically everything as teams. I learned independence and finding strength within myself. However, I also learned some terrible truths that I just didn't agree with. I learned that they were taking children from their villages. I was one of those children. I honestly have no memories of my parents or where I came from. All I know is that the clan was my family. It's horrifying what the Master is doing, but what I really couldn't agree with was the cold blooded murder and hatred for the champion: Link. I could understand not agreeing with everything the Sheikah believed in, but having such a hatred for the royal family that they would go to murder them..well, I just couldn't go along with it. I want to make a change for the better before they forced me to kill. So, I formally spoke to the Master, saying that I needed to take my own journey into the wilds and basically 'find myself.' I told them I wasn't sure when I'd be coming back, so you see, I haven't formally left the clan, but having met Link, I know for certain I don't want to go back there with how the clan is right now." What Col really wanted was to possibly reform the clan and make a step in the right direction, but with so many in the ranks completely loyal to Kohga, he wasn't sure how well his word would be received. Quite likely, he'd be labeled a traitor. He watched Sidon carefully, taking in each nod and look of contemplation.

"I see. I can tell you speak sincerely. You're the kind of person to not hide much about yourself, though I can't help but feel there's more. So, do you have any other Yiga tracking you at all? Have you run into any that recognized you? Or any that would do anything to drag you back into the clan?" He had to hand it to Sidon, he was perceptive.

"Well, I did have a slight run in with one who recognized him, but I got out of there quickly. However, I fear for a group of them that may be looking for me. You see, I had a close friend who looked up to me for a long time. I was always slightly better than him at combat, and we'd train together a lot. His name is Kai, and he was really broken up about my leaving. He vowed that he'd bring me back to the clan, saying with the Yiga is where my destiny lies. If he finds out I'm helping the champion, the Yiga's sworn enemy, I'm not sure what he'll do. I think about it every single day. I don't think he'll listen to anything I have to say." Col grit his teeth at remembering Kai. There was no way he'd understand. If it came down to it, it would be a fight to the death. He should've just cut ties with the Yiga completely, but maybe in a way, that would've been a worse outcome.

"You're a strong fighter, that I can tell. With that fierce look in your eyes, I know you have a lot of strength within you. Though we've just met, I think I can trust you to protect Link when he needs you. There will probably come a time when Link will need to take on your Master, and you'll have to deal with Kai. You ran away when you needed to, but you can't forever. So, are you ready for when that time comes? Most likely, it'll be a huge change for you as well as the whole Yiga clan. I'm sure it'll be a change for the better, but I can't predict the future. Who knows what will happen, but you have to be ready for when it does happen." Sidon scooched closer to him, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I admire your defiant look in the face of adversity. I'm sure it was scary for you when your past allegiance to the Yiga was exposed, but you have Link on your side and me as well. So, be brave!" Sidon gave him one of his trademark smiles of encouragement, and Col found it near impossible not to feel empowered and smile.

"Well, I'll try my best, Prince Sidon. I'll trust myself to know what to do when the time comes. Right now, I'm certain my place is by Link's side no matter what happens. It frustrates me when something like this happens where I can't be there to help him." He gestured to Shatterback Point way up towards the sky. "But I know he'll be fine. I gotta do what I can."

"I can tell there's something special between you two. I saw how he was able to comfort you back there without even having to say a word." He could've sworn he saw Sidon wink at him before getting up. "Come! Let's wait for him!"

With his face feeling like it was on fire, Col followed after him, cursing under his breath yet again.