Author's Notes: Yet again, another chapter I've had trouble writing. The first part was supposed to be the ending of chapter 6 but it would have made it too long in my opinion. I also had a hard time with the ending of this one, I felt the narration was a bit rushed at first. Still, I think I can be satisfied with this one.
This chapter serves as a transition to Part 2 of the story so I guess we're about half way through already.

Thanks again for the continuous support and hope you enjoy!


The Lizalfos' frantic rampage ended brutally thanks to Sidon's intervention and the miraculous assistance he received from his late sister Mipha. Nevertheless, the Seer had escaped, bringing along the spite of an entire civilization serving evil. With the help of his newfound allies from the western lands, he will strike back before long.

The Zora will not be able to celebrate their victory. As long as they lack the tools to defeat the divine beast, Vah'Ruta and his minions keep the upper hand. Sidon knows it well and intends to use the short respite allowed to set his plans in motion. It is time for the water tribe to leave their shell and put their pride aside. It is time to renew friendship with other Hyrulean races.

Ten minutes of break were not enough for Seggin to catch his breath. Back against the guardrail circling the main plaza, his muscles ached fiercely, and his lungs spat the air he inhaled out with force. A long time had passed since he had participated in such a dire battle.

"Need a hand?"

Bazz stretched an arm dirtied with dried blood and sweat. The young soldier had trained for lengthy skirmishes, yet even he felt drained.

Seggin accepted his aid and gripped his wrist, Bazz's vigor pulling him on his feet. He picked his stained and blunted blade, using it as a support to cross the battlefield, witnessing the remains of a vicious and grisly conflict. Here and there, survivors tended to the wounded or wandered aimlessly like lost souls. The scattered corpses made for a hellish picture. Smells of death and demise, thick and heavy, spread throughout the plaza, lingering on in spite of the rain washing the slaughter's filth.

The two comrades in arms saw two sides of their brothers and sisters, some crying in pain from losing close friends and family, others excited from the joy of staying alive. Yet euphoria or resentment did not let them stray from their vigilance. Danger had been prevented but not eradicated. The Zora knew it, and they were mentally preparing for the next charge.

"It was a tough battle," Bazz declared. "Victory was only secured at the cost of many precious lives. There is no delight in my heart when I think of our losses."

"So is the fate of any kingdom at war," Seggin replied with wisdom. "Our enemies benefit from the power of darkness and chaos. The Zora's subsistence won't cease hanging by a thread until Vah'Ruta's threat is dealt with. Our friends have died for the goddess' cause, for our cause. We shall honor their bravery and their passing away shall nurture our wrath when the time for vengeance is ripe!"

The elder's passionate speech sounded convincing, though his personal rage tarnished it a bit. Just like all who had known the first war against the Calamity, Seggin had developed a burning hatred against the Hylians who had built the traitorous divine beasts. Bazz understood his sentiment. After all, Seggin's beloved princess Mipha had perished as Vah'Ruta turned against the Zora. Yet, his own sorrow could not equal the King's and the Prince's. In particular, Sidon still bore emotional scars, even if he barely showed them.

The Prince appeared on the other side of the main bridge, followed by his faithful companions. The others spotted his figure and broke out of their lethargic roam to welcome him back.

Sidon walked with determination, his calm face shifting right and left, analyzing the extent of the damage on the Domain. As he reached the center of the main plaza, he stood still. The sight of his shattered home and people crippled his heart. Nausea struck his four friends as the barbarism showed in front of their unbelieving eyes. A wave of negative feelings flooded their confused minds: anger, despair, melancholia.

An unbearable tension rose in the atmosphere made heavy by the undaunted rain. The downpour removed all signs of peace and bliss. Even the ever-optimistic Sidon could not find relief in his glorious acts. He only stood there, before his distressed subjects, before his stern king. Alone, he faced the blackness of reality.

Finally, Dorephan stepped forward and put a comforting hand on his son's shoulder.

"Come, Sidon. Nothing is certain. Today, you have demonstrated an immense courage in preventing death from claiming many lives. As long as we're alive, no obstacle is insurmountable. You are the core linking all our souls, your strength will allow us to vanquish evil."

Those positive words lifted Sidon's grieving spirits up. His father was right. Hope would last until the Zora's ultimate stand. Sidon looked up at the sky, closed his eyes and sighed deeply to liberate himself from his growing anguish. The Zora patiently waited for their suzerain to speak. Whatever he chose, his citizens would fully support him.

"Dawn shall rise soon," he announced, loud and clear over the torrential rain. "Horror has fallen upon our revered realm. Emergency repair works will be needed to ensure our very own existence. We will cleanse the Domain of the filth, cleanse the sacred river of the rotting lizard corpses, and honor the memory of our brethren. But first!"

He turned and faced his gasping audience.

"We survivors shall not succumb to darkness. Their sacrifice will not go to waste. Lizalfos. Yigas. Vah'Ruta. None shall sever the Zora's unity. Our wrath, our valiance will ignite the flames that sharpen our blades and fuel our resolve. The Zora will triumph over this tragic fate, dominate the reign of chaos, and we will initiate a new era of prosperity, bereft of the Calamity and its minions!"

Sidon raised his fist on these final words. Stimulated by the heroic speech, everyone copied his gesture and let out a war out in unison. The powerful sound reached the heavens, a symbol of their beliefs. Although the Zora faced a most unfathomable future, Sidon rallied his troops and promised a radiant morrow. Even Dorephan took part in the overall elation, his slashed face drawing a large smile full of pride.

The prince then spun around and hastened away. The curious Zora observed him walk up to the Statue of the Goddess, still standing pristine, as though the raging battle around had never happened. Sidon knelt, his fingers closed in a silent prayer. He thanked Hylia for her mercy and begged her for blessings and aids upon her children, for their everlasting survival.

He pleaded with all the faith his soul could muster, submitting himself to the divinities governing the destinies of all mortals. He prayed for brighter days shining on his people's lives. Suddenly, his hands sparkled in a luminous halo of purity, slicing through the dark night. The goddess had quietly answered his desperate call.

The mysterious aura illuminated once, then twice, and on and on until it blinded Sidon. Intrigued, he opened his eyes and beheld the Zora bowing in his own way, giving the Goddess the respect she deserved. Their voices soared in disharmony, their message unique.

"Praise the Goddess and blessed our Prince and champion with a heart of gold!"

Moved by their unwavering fervor, Sidon lost his speech. That night, he had become the Hero of the Zora, the champion in whom they all believed in. He could only appreciate the gleams of hope enlightening their way. And then, he saw her figure appearing once again. The silhouette of his sister, smiling and beaming with joy, Hylia's messenger soothing his people with her restorative magic. That night, a miracle had occurred, and though adage specified that a second time was deemed impossible, the siblings might very well deny that truth.


Sidon woke up late the day after, way past his usual hour. Because of the endless downpour, he could not accurately estimate time with a glance out the window. However, he had needed a good sleep and the rest was greatly welcome. Without further ado, he left his quarters and went to the main plaza.

The place barely showed any sign of the poor state it had been reduced to yesterday. Corpses full of parasitic scavengers had been disposed of and the rain had washed all bloodstains. Only the rubbles and wrecked structures still vouched for the wicked battle.

The Zora had efficiently worked hard. Their discipline and commitment were stunning. Sidon could not quite believe the repairs had already gone this far. He looked all around and confirmed that every single task had been assigned according to its priority.

Several groups stayed and fortified the Domain; other smaller ones set out to harvest supplies and retrieve materials and luminous stones. The remaining Zora patrolled in the vicinity to track down eventual foes lying in ambush. Dividing resources as such guaranteed effective results at a minimal cost.

Sidon's people currently had no need of his help, so he decided to play the second act. He had to lead the Zora out of their isolation and seek their former allies and friends of old.

As he arrived at the throne room, he noticed many figures moving in the shadows by
the drapery behind the entrance. He came in and quickly understood that a council of war was about to begin.

"Oh, Sidon!" the King exclaimed. "Excellent timing! Have a seat!"

The Prince complied to his will and sat at his father's side. A couple dozen persons were present. For the occasion, a massive oval table had been set at the center of the chamber, the chairs uniformly spread around it. Usually, only the sovereigns, the higher-ups of the elders' council, and the military commanders took part in this kind of meeting. However, the latter's precarious power forced them to send younger officers as well. Of those who answered the call, Sidon was pleasantly surprised to see Torfeau, a new crest on her helmet attesting of her promotion to the rank of squad captain. She bore a nervous smile, she had never considered her career to fly prematurely after such a turn of events.

Two or three others had found themselves in the same case. None of them seemed calm and collected before the trials that they would have to face.

"All right, let us start," Dorephan declared.

As expected, they discussed the battle, the Lizalfos menace and the Zora's means of defense against them. Half of the soldiers attending their first meeting struggled to maintain their focus. The elders talked with inappropriate and irregular speed and did not bring any news. Irritation grew fiercely inside of Sidon's chest. Their boastful deductions were but elementary observations. They strayed from the actual problems and even Dorephan dared not dampen their misplaced passion.

"And thus," Muzu summarized, "our army's strength is more than enough to keep the Lizalfos at bay. The outrageous aftermath was reaped crops of cowardice. Now, we should be able to counter any attack."

The deans' arrogance and stubbornness sickened Sidon whose rage boiled almost uncontrollably. How could they blind themselves?

"Your Excellency, I pray you forgive my interruption. However, you have not uttered a
single word on the facts I deem of highest importance."

Reaching the point where the straw broke the camel's back, Rivan erupted and defied his audience with intensity. The drowsing attendees suddenly jumped awake.

"You seem to have forgotten how the Lizalfos had effectively maneuvered strategically," he followed. "Their bout had nothing to do with sheer luck, it was premeditated. Their organization was perfect, and what about their brutality and their numbers? From all those centuries of open hostilities, we have at least learnt one thing: the Lizalfos live in small tribes and never do they regroup as one complete population. Yet, they proved us wrong and punished our ignorance. As such, the real question lies not in our approach on the matter, but rather in understanding how and why they had come to that level of integrity."

Infuriated by his impertinence, the elders scowled him, unable to step back and revise their tunneled vision. Although Rivan had spoken the truth, they formed the elite standing at the top of the political and hierarchical pyramid, topped only by the King. Straightforwardly contesting their opinions meant that Rivan was willing to put more than his job on the line.

Nonetheless, his revelations had been necessary, and Sidon assessed his mediation rightly. Maybe that would finally open their eyes to reality.

Whispers rose up all around, whether they be wary, approving or despising. The captain's speech had achieved its intended purpose and the once gloomy committee sparkled alive with doubts. Dorephan raised his voice to demand silence, before letting Muzu's neighbor speak up.

"I will agree that their numbers were beyond comprehension," he said in a shrilling voice. "Yet, everything was planned? What nonsense!"

"Look at the outcome!" Rivan retorted. "In case of sudden attacks, our forces can move quick enough to repel the aggressors. Yet, yesterday, we were surrounded and couldn't counter engage. It is undeniable that they had prepared their siege."

"This is ridiculous!" his interlocutor lashed out. "We've known the Lizalfos since the dawn of time! Any racial evolution takes ages to complete, no sensible reason could explain what you claim."

"On the contrary, we can!" Torfeau responded.

Sidon saw her wave and put down pieces of paper on the table. At first glance, he recognized the sketches he had retrieved and given to Ledo in the caverns where the Seer had called the thunderstorm. Torfeau had borrowed them from the craftsman minutes prior to the meeting, knowing those documents could prove advantageous. The Prince admired his friend's composure. She had remained cool-headed despite her new responsibilities.

"We found these near Lake Mikau, in a cave that served as a vanguard post for a Lizalfos squad. Look closely at the drawings and you'll understand. It appears quite clearly that they targeted the Domain. Their invasion was to start with the third crashing thunderclap. Try to recall yesterday's events. Is that not what happened?"

Everyone examined the clues with attention, the furthest away coming nearer to take the reptilian, primitive drawings in. With relative ease, they managed to decode the scribbles and several agreed with Torfeau's statements.

"Preposterous! How would their tactics work if they had to rely on external factors as random as the weather? You wouldn't dare make us believe that they patiently waited for a storm to brew up!"

"Indeed, the chances of it happening were too slim. However, their general wielded a mystic weapon filled with bewildering magic properties. It let him summon the thunderstorm."

"What weapon in the world could…?"

Sidon then remember he still carried said weapon in his pouch. He grabbed it and showed it to the elders. His neighbors instinctively backed off upon seeing it.

"Here. A thunderstorm rod I assume was stolen from a wandering Wizzrobe. As Torfeau said, that Lizalfos was well-versed in sorcery, though his only acts consisted of invoking celestial bolts. He never once tried to protect himself. Therefore, I trust that his unstable powers were gifted by an even mightier entity, and he could not use the wand any other way. That naturally leads to this interrogation: who or what is controlling him, and consequently, the whole Lizalfos race?"

"There is one easy answer," he added, shutting down any attempt to protest. "Vah'Ruta. Still, its influence seems to work on reptilian souls alone. But thanks to our skirmishes, we've discovered that the lizal army received support from the desert bandits."

Gasps and dismayed mumbles rung at that last sentence. The sectarians of the sands venturing this far out of their lands to harm the Zora was an unlikely thought and many were prone to dismissing it as a lunacy.

"Yigas!" Dorephan yelled. "Are you certain, Sidon?"

"Yes, Sire. My companion may testify as well," he replied, nodding his head towards Torfeau.

"Our suspicions on a distrustful stranger preaching poison appearing here are thus confirmed."

Sidon could not hide his shock as he heard his father talk. So, one of these thugs had trespassed the Domain unwittingly and spread doubts inside his citizens' minds. No wondering their morale had sunk when the fight broke out. A clever maneuver that bore ghoulish fruits. Could Vah'Ruta's power expand to the western edges of Hyrule? Maybe its desert counterpart Vah'Nabooris helped somehow. No, the Yigas had remained lucid in their escape. They had not suffered brainwashing.

Since their object of worship, the Calamity's defeat a century ago, their activities had been reduced to bribery and theft. And now, they were on the move. Sidon feared the reason why and shivered at the meaning of the sudden alliance.

"This will become a problem," the King resumed. "Yigas are masters of camouflage techniques and dark arts. Some might even say their skills match the Sheikahs'. These mystical feats render them unpredictable and may very well endanger us."

"You'll agree that maintaining a defensive and static stance against foes who have the ability of backstabbing without much sweat is both foolish and suicidal."

Sidon glared intently at the elders. They looked away in shame, defeated.

"In that case, what would you propose we do?" one of them inquired.

"We should not remain passive, we need information. I suggest we regularly send one or two scouting squads around the Domain. That will allow us to expand our sphere of influence and to anticipate their schemes."

The council members and the army captains grew quiet and investigated his proposal's feasibility.

"I share his opinion," Torfeau stated. "We need to know more about the Lizalfos and the Yigas. The way they communicate, where their outposts lie, what strategy they're open to. Everything is welcome knowledge."

"These will aid us greatly in crafting tactical plans to ensure our victory in the next clash. Of course, the major part of our headcounts will stay at the Domain. Hunters, harvesters, scouts and raiders should amount to thirty percent of our workforce at most."

"A legitimate and astute approach indeed," Dorephan judged. "What do you think?"

The council members deliberated for ten minutes, discussing the plan's pros and cons. Groups of three or four were formed as they argued internally before confronting their conclusions to the others. Sidon and Torfeau congratulated themselves in silence for their assertions. From the snippets of conversation they heard, everyone endorsed their strategy.

The Zora unanimously voted in favor. Dorephan then adjourned the session, putting an end to the meeting. Strangely, they kept a tranquil demeanor as they walked out, as though the last half-hour disputes had never happened. Sidon saw Torfeau off as she followed Rivan with her fellow comrades. The captains surely had another meeting, only this time they would talk tactics. The Prince did not heed it long, he wished first and foremost to speak with the King.

"Father!" he hailed.

"Sidon! What's the matter, my son?"

"We need to discuss the Yiga matter. In spite of all reflections and possible scenarios imagined, I cannot explain their resurgence. What's more, these crooks now possess occult powers previously unheard of."

Dorephan appeared to think about the question as well.

"Some evil, dominant creature may have provided them these abilities you speak of. Can you give me any details?"

"They bend space and time locally and create warp tunnels allowing the Lizalfos to join the fray, even if they were miles away seconds prior. I'm positive they don't rely on technology."

"I see. It is an ancient, forgotten magic that goes back to the Hero of Time era. The Sheikahs had managed to control it after centuries of studies, and even then, they needed their machines. As far as I know, only those chosen by the Goddess and powerful servants of chaos may use it at will."

"The Sheikahs have always been valorous and loyal allies. I highly doubt they are involved in any treachery. Father, could this be the work of the Calamity?"

"The spirit shackles that banished him from Hyrule are made of pure light, evil's deadliest vulnerability," Dorephan muttered in all seriousness. "However, it is not impossible for the holy seal to have weakened. For it to remain strong after a hundred years would have been quite the surprise."

"How do we deal with that?" Sidon asked nervously. "Without Princess Zelda's abilities, I fear we have no means of escape."

"We cannot remedy it. Those are just hypothetical though, and we've urgent worries to tend to. Vah'Ruta and its minions are real, direct threats to our realm."

"True indeed. I believe the divine beast remains the central core that keeps order within the Lizalfos ranks. Should we take it out of the equation, the reptilians will not bother us anymore and the Yiga conspiracy will also crumble."

"How would you see this through?"

Sidon fell quiet and reassessed his own schemes, leaving no shaky part.

"Vah'Ruta is an enigma to our engineers," he declared. "For now, we cannot fight it head on. Nevertheless, in those caves where we identified the Lizalfos ringleader, we also found an antic jewel we still cannot determine its provenance. It was crimped with Sheikah runes, hints we cannot decipher. Yet, I have a feeling the artifact could become our trump card. We should send a squad to Kakariko Village and seek the Sheikahs' wisdom on both the stone and the beast."

"Two birds with one stone, then. You have my approval. Choose your party wisely, the expedition will be long and perilous. I only hope the Domain will hold out until their return."

"Since our own fight against Vah'Ruta, the downpour has lost its former intensity. The flooding is thus delayed. There is enough time for a round trip. The sole unknown is whether our questions will be answered."

"We may rely on the Sheikahs' knowledge. You haven't forgotten that we also lack a strong Hylian warrior to take care of the divine beast, have you?"

"I haven't, father," Sidon replied firmly. "This journey to the west is also an opportunity to recruit one on the road. I am aware the tasks I am giving the party are tremendous, yet I want to put all chances on our side as long as peace lasts."

"You're betting everything on this mission."

"It is the only time we can afford it. I shall pray the Goddess for our success."

Sidon stretched his tired members under the rain, frustration and fatigue from the unnecessary debate finally purged. Rushing to action often led to dire consequences, that he was aware of. Yet, he could not help thinking precious time had been wasted.

He still had to select who would carry the Zora's message to Lady Impa, ruler of the Sheikahs. Sidon himself could not go, he was needed at the Domain. His first choice was Ledo, the craftsman's expertise on materials and foreign technology would prove mandatory. He was the likeliest candidate to understand the Sheikahs explanations on Vah'Ruta's technical weaknesses. He would need a small yet trustworthy escort, though. A too large one would expose itself to unwanted risks. Since Torfeau had just been promoted, it was out of the question to send her. Sidon needed other veteran fighters.

Finally, one or two medical field experts should complete the team. It then dawned on him that he had not seen Tona since last evening and hoped that no harm troubled her. Uneased by the prospect, he went to the healing centers.

Outside, the facilities seemed peaceful, a sign that clinical activities ran smoothly. Inside was an unpredictable turmoil that could not be any more startling. The wounded had gathered here, suffering from minor bruises to life-threatening cuts and trauma. On one hand, automatic healing engines took care of slight injuries and infectious lesions. On the other hand, complex and delicate operations were performed. The healers were clearly overworked, their unfaltering fervor maintained their motivation and focus so much they did not even glimpsed the Prince entering.

He felt overwhelmed as he counted the war victims but was soon relieved to know that they now rested in capable hands. He saluted the few soldiers who stood to attention, and headed to the back rooms where curative ingredients, blends and tools were stocked.

"Prince Sidon!"

Tula gave the herbs she carried to her colleague and walked up to him.

"What brings you here?" she asked.

"Only checking if you guys lack anything. Judging from your commitment, I believe everything is fine?"

"We've replenished our supplies and are loaded to heal everyone. Our reserves are getting dry, but scouts and hunters have gone outside to take care of that. Most of the components we need grow in the mountains nearby and are very resilient against rain water. As such, there is no problem on our side."

"What about the patients?"

"They're afflicted with various kinds of injuries. We'll need time to take care of everybody, but no vital prognosis is engaged. However…"

Tula's joviality dropped, and a hint of shadow clouded her face. Sidon spotted bags under her eyes; something was on her mind.

"However?" Sidon pressed.

"It's Tona," she answered with a strangled voice. "We don't know what's wrong with her. She bore no traces of external pain, but she's been behaving weirdly in a self-mutilating trance. Bazz and Seggin think that her soul might have been corrupted by Vah'Ruta's witchcraft. Should this be true, our abilities are of no use."

Sidon swallowed hard, Tula's revelation made him dizzy with fear. What had happened to Tona? Tula's head still down, the Prince knelt before her so that their eyes met. Dread had painted her irises with the characteristic fear of losing a close friend, a feeling he sadly knew well.

"Where is she now?" he asked softly.

"In the room furthest back, with Bazz and Kodah."

She pointed the door leading there. In the dim-lit storage area, it was almost imperceptible. Sidon thanked and attempted to comfort her. He promised he would find a cure for her spirit-shattered friend. Tula smiled feebly, though her features brightened at his hopeful and heartening speech. She followed him as he slipped inside.

Luminous stones shone in the small room. The ceiling hung low, shelves were empty and on the working desk, smears of old experiences attested of their former scientific purpose. It now only served as a shelter to a young, shivering, terrified Zora. Tona had cowered on a wooden chair, head buried on her knees. Besides her, the innkeeper Kodah tried vainly to soothe her.

Sidon nodded towards Bazz, interrogating him.

"She's been like this all morning. Her condition began worsening last night during the battle at the main plaza. At first, she didn't behave any different than anyone unused to such brutality. The vicious air must have traumatized her more than we thought. We also fear that she might have fallen victim to a curse: from time to time, she goes into a violent rage."

The soldier indicated scratches carved on the rock. Sidon realized in horror that Tona's body was buried in bruises from her virulent contacts with the uneven, sharp wall. The seeds of evil and chaos had taken root and bloomed in her misty mind.

A malevolent aura emanated from the frail-looking Zora. Darkness had perverted her soul but her brave heart remained strong and repelled its relentless assault. The Prince felt her fighting spirit, he knew she had yet to succumb completely to the shadows.

There was still time to save her. However, the Zora didn't possess the magical capabilities to purge her from her corruption. He thus decided to renew a perilous gamble and put his faith in the goddess's mercy.

Tona would be part of the Kakariko Village journey. The Sheikahs were historically people one step from the shadow realms. Surely, they would know how to lift the curse.

"Bazz," he hailed the warrior. "Go find Seggin and Ledo and bring them here, please. Gruve as well, if he's back ad available. Hurry!"

"At once, Your Highness."

He did as ordered and returned within a quarter hour, the three nominated by his side. Seggin winced at the sight of poor Tona. Gruve and Ledo, who had not yet learned of her grief, inquired about the situation, concern clearly showing on their faces. Bazz and Tula explained her pain while Sidon brought the last pieces to his daring schemes, consulting Seggin for his wisdom. He then called everyone present, letting only Kodah console their friend. He told them about the expedition, its objectives and the hazards they could encounter.

Apart from Sidon's precise indications, the usually silent chamber was filled with the cries of the desperate innkeeper. Three words trying to reach her friend lost into a world of blackness, making their way in the meanders of dreams.

"Tona… Open your eyes…"

Three words echoing in the mind of a young slumbering Hylian, miles west from their position.

"Link… Open your eyes…"