Author's Note: Geez I really didn't think it would take so long to do this chapter but it took so much figuring out and I just kept getting distracted; those I will mention at the bottom! But either way I won't be replying to many reviews on PM unless they have questions and such because I will be rather busy, but guest reviews will be the same! Maybe we'll reach 100 soon, but either way please enjoy!
*And thank you so much to TDDolphin for their wonderful help with this chapter! Without it I would have needed to rewrite this chapter many more times :3*
Guest Reviews: AngelFox997: I just had to have him in! :D
Fan789: Zora's Domain is first because the last chapter had Link and Zelda outside Kakariko Village (where the in-game epilogue takes place), and Zora's Domain is the closest to them geographically. After that it will be Tarrey Town/Goron Village, then the Rito Village, maybe Gerudo Town but they already went there, and then the Lost Woods and Hyrule Castle for the epilogue. Hope that helps! :3
Beyond
Ten: Sidon
~O~
Within weeks, word of the Princess's existence seemed to escalate.
Certain of their plan to finalise Hyrule's rebuilding, Impa suggested that a Sheikah envoy deliver a letter from the Princess to the Zora; the first race they had decided to meet, for they lived closer to Kakariko than any other race; to signal her arrival there in the coming week. At first, she was against the idea of travelling to the Domain with a fleet of Sheikah behind her, however the Elder was quick to ease her protests, "The Zora are expecting a Princess," she had said. "And a Princess needs both clear protection and a definitive presence. Your Knight alone won't give you this."
Of course Impa meant no offense, but Zelda was glad that her companion wasn't there to hear that.
Dorian, the selected envoy, left to deliver the Princess's handwritten letter; somehow finding her Father's signet ring in another visit to Hyrule Castle to help solidify her claim. Less than a week later, news was spreading like wildfire across the entire Kingdom. As Kiana had said: most had already made the assumption about who Link and Zelda truly were—after all, they did little to hide their identities—though they hadn't expected the news to have been absorbed so quickly.
In her mind's eye, Zelda imagined their reveal to be amongst hundreds of people or after a long battle where they showed her people the mark on her hand and the sword in her companion's hand.
How wrong she was.
The Princess, accompanied by her Knight and a small group of Sheikah, departed from the village a few days after Dorian did. The journey would take twelve hours in total, and it was decided that this would be split over three days. Once travelling through the nearby Wetlands, they would trek through the rocky terrain leading towards Zora's Domain; the journey ever so slightly less treacherous now that monsters had been rid of from the land.
They stood on the Sahasra Slope, the same place Link and Zelda had discovered the existence of the Divine Beast apparition in the Sheikah Slate—though they would unfortunately not be travelling with him unless it was completely necessary.
"Koko wants lots of recipe ideas from Zora's Domain," the young child demanded of Link before they left. "Koko needs ideas if Koko wants to become a chef!" Once the kneeling Hero nodded, Koko was quick to jump up and throw her arms around his neck; her excitement clear to see on her face.
From a few feet away, a warm smile graced Zelda's face.
"E-Everything should be ready for you, P-Princess." She turned to find Paya, Impa's granddaughter, standing behind her with quaking hands.
The girl jumped out of her skin when Zelda took her hands into her own, "Thank you, Paya. You have been the utmost help to us." She stammered out some incoherences before excusing herself, leaving the Princess alone as she stepped up to Rhoam-Lien. Her horse, like all of the others, had been freshly groomed for the journey. She wasn't a fan of how his mane had been intricately plaited, not for its design but how quickly her horse had been moulded from a wild stallion to the Princess's horse.
Once it was over, Zelda would personally free her horse of the royal equipment for his sake.
"Are you ready, Princess?" Impa asked as she made her way towards the Hylian, came thudding softly against the grass.
"I believe I am, Impa," she replied softly, stroking her stallion's mane, "I can only pray that this all ends well."
"I'm sure it will, Princess. You are their light… and they need their light to shine upon Hyrule; they are giving out a positive reception for you."
But I am not their only light, Zelda thought as she cast her gaze over to Link, smiling as he made his way over to them.
"Everything is ready, Your Grace," he remarked. "We're ready to head out if you are."
With a quick confirmation, Zelda embraced Impa and allowed Link to help her onto her mount. Whilst the other Sheikah mounted their own horses, Impa pulled Link to one side. "I am sure that you already know this," she said, "But this journey may be the most important yet for Hyrule's future. Keep the Princess safe as well as yourself; you are her rock."
He swallowed thickly, "Of course, Elder Impa. You have my word."
"Very well. Now don't dawdle—you have a long journey ahead of you." He simply nodded and bid the Elder farewell, but it didn't mean that her words were swiftly forgotten.
The group spent the first evening and next day exploring the wetlands situated beneath the Sheikah Tower of the province. This was more so for Zelda, who desired to spend some time studying the region from which the Zora thrive in. They had left a day early to fulfil this purpose nonetheless, and so they quickly made their way down Sahasra Slope, past the Millennio Sandbar and into the wetlands. They spent the rest of the day exploring the ruins and different flora and fauna for the region; for Zelda it was an opportunity for her to research more about a region she knew little of, an for her Knight it was a reason to slow their journey down and calm their nerves.
The group rested in the nearby Wetland Stable for the evening before leaving the next morning to cross into Zora territory. It only took them a few hours to reach Oren Bridge, and it was clear to see how the Zora had left their mark on such an area. Most of the area was untainted, making it rather difficult to traverse with so many horses and so much food, however it gave it a beauty that the rest of Hyrule couldn't reach with so many man-made features. In fact, the only parts that had been changed were the stunning luminous stone bridges and lamps to guide travellers towards the home of the proud Zora.
It took another five hours after to reach the Great Zora Bridge, passing over Luto's Crossing and the rocky terrain before them; stopping overnight in one of the cave systems monsters had made during the Great Calamity to care for the horses and save their strength.
However, not long after midday the next day, a Zora representative was waiting for them on the bridge, one that Link was quick to recognise. And if it wasn't for Impa's words in his mind, he would have jumped off of his mare's back and ran over to his friend with joy.
"And here they are!" the proud Zora boomed with a ginormous grin. His skin shone in the late morning light, crimson scales identical in shade to Mipha's, his amber eyes just as similar to the previous Champion's. Zelda was taken aback at how similar this Zora was to Mipha, and tears gathered at the edges of her eyes as her Knight helped her to dismount.
"Greetings, Sir," she remarked with a smile, jumping slightly when the Zora went down on one knee and kissed the back of her hand.
"And greetings to you, Princess Zelda of Hyrule," he replied strongly as he stood. "To know that you are safe and well gives me and the rest of the Zora a great joy. I am Prince Sidon of the Zora, son of King Dorephan and brother of the late Princess Mipha." So that is where the resemblance comes from, she thought. I do recall seeing a small Zora like him running around the Domain before the Calamity...
"We are well met, Prince Sidon," Zelda greeted, "Shall we make our way to the Domain? I'm sure you'd be much more comfortable down there."
"Of course, Your Grace," he chuckled, "But the Zora are more than excited to see you. You've been the talk of the town, Princess!"
And Sidon wasn't wrong; they were met with a crowd on the horizon.
Rhoam-Lien and Sauvage cantered down the craggy slopes, surrounded by Sheikah on all sides as they all made their way across the Great Zora Bridge as one. Luminous stone pillars shone under daybreak, the large fish structure rising up ahead of them; its large tail fanning out into the skies above. The cavernous walls surrounding them acted as good shields from the wind as the horses slowly gaited across the smooth stone. It was just as beautiful as Link and Zelda remembered it, though the former couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation over the visit; both for the potential ties that they could make with the Zora and the other memories Link could remember.
Guards standing on either side of the entrance bowed deeply towards her as they crossed the threshold into Zora's Domain. "Welcome back, Princess Zelda."
This is it…
She took a moment to steel herself before nodding back firmly.
Zora's Domain had barely changed over the past one hundred years, and its beauty had only increased in that time. The large monument of a fish still stood tall atop the Domain, made to glitter in the light from all angles of the sun. Shards Of luminous stones had been laid into the marble floor and steps, creating a soft glow with every step taken in both night and day. Zora lined every part of the Domain possible to catch a glimpse of the Hylian Princess as her companion eased her down from her mount. Compared to the reaction Zelda presumed she would receive, she was baffled at how wrong she was.
She smiled and waved to everyone, following closely behind Prince Sidon as he lead her up the curved steps. What she failed to notice before, however, was the large statue of Mipha that had been erected most likely after her death. They all clearly looked up to her and mourned her, which is why Zelda was surprised to see such a lack of animosity towards her; maybe they knew of her efforts to keep the Zora Champion's legacy alive and not in vain. The thought lifted her spirits as she carried on up the stairs, glancing back to her Knight for a fraction of a second. He was solemn, that much she could tell, however the subtle but warm smile he passed to her proved that he wasn't lost in the past.
Zelda inhaled deeply as the Zora Prince lead her up one final main stairway, and she knew exactly what was going to occur now. As her name and various titles echoed around the chamber above her, the Princess steeled herself. We fought for so long and hard to keep Hyrule together. This is merely… tying up loose ends.
And yet it took a while to make herself believe her own words.
The Throne Room was truly stunning. Made entirely from lapis lazuli and luminous stones, the Throne Room shone with a brilliant azure glow, the slightly domed ceiling and floor perfectly symmetrical. All Zoras knelt down once the Princess entered. Her breath stilled as the present finally caught up to her—she was standing back in Zora's Domain after one hundred years. It was truly incredible. Each of the Council members, she assumed, created a semicircle around the main throne where an older, rather large, but incredibly familiar Zora sat. His deep blue scales reflected off of the cool blue glow of the hall, eyes so identical to Mipha's that it took Zelda a moment to compose herself.
As Sidon took his place beside the King and Link stayed to the back of the room, the Princess knelt down before the great Zora.
"Greetings, Your Grace," the King's voice reflected through the room, "I, King Dorephan, bid you a warm welcome back to Hyrule, Princess of Zelda. It is a great comfort to see you once more and in such circumstances." Gesturing for her to rise, Dorephan leaned down to firmly shake her hands, "It's good to see you alive and well, Princess."
"And I you, King Dorephan," she smiled, "It has been far too long."
She turned halfway at the sound of footsteps behind her, smiling softly as her Knight bowed his head and handed her the Lightscale Trident which previously belonged to Mipha. She received the item with a single nod, causing her companion to momentarily tense up before excusing himself; standing at the edge of the chamber without another word. Frowning, the Princess had no choice but to turn away from him and fall to her knees on the central platform—eyes lowered as she raised the prized weapon towards the Zora King.
"I wish to return the Lightscale Trident which you bestowed upon the Hylian Champion during the fight against Calamity Ganon," she stated calmly, her heart pounding. "As a race and a Father, you deserve to have this physical presence of Princess Mipha back in your Domain."
The weight of the weapon was lifted from her hands by Prince Sidon, and moments later Dorephan's voice reflected around the chamber, "Thank you, Princess. And the same to you, Champion. You both protected a sacred heirloom of the Zora and I am deeply grateful to see it returned to us." He paused, then revealed his set of pearly white teeth as he waved his hand and added, "But you must rise, Princess. You have graced us with your presence; it should be me bowing to you if I were able to."
"You are too kind, King Dorephan."
He chuckled lightly, fondly reminding her of the Great Deku Tree, "Now, Princess, it is no small feat to see both you and your appointed Knight standing before us today. What have you been doing since the defeat of the Great Calamity?"
She swallowed thickly, then gestured towards Link, "We have been examining the state that Hyrule has fallen into over the past one hundred years in order to understand the extent of rebuilding our Kingdom."
"Surely it wouldn't have taken a year to do such a task?" a Councillor scoffed in the corner.
"I-I—" Zelda stammered, clasping her hands together in unease as she turned towards the stout Zora. "I was unsure of how I would be received, so I admit that it took longer to reveal myself than what was expected, however after a fight lasting one hundred years against a great behemoth had taken its toll on oneself, so I wished to allow myself to heal before embarking on such a great task."
The Zora King hummed, "And rightly so; one can only imagine such a struggle. I shall hear no remarks such as those from my subjects." Dorephan regarded Zelda with a small smile, "What you did for Hyrule was incredible. I only wish that my daughter was here to see what she helped to achieve."
"I wasn't alone in my fight," she replied, "I could feel the presence of the other Champions keeping me going as I fought back Ganon; without the presence of your daughter throughout that time or her efforts before the Great Calamity, I fear we would not stand here as free people today. She cast her gaze back to her companion, "We both mourn the tragedy that befell her and the other Champions, and we will keep them in our hearts. We shall restore Hyrule for them."
Wary of his appearance before his subjects, Dorephan nodded firmly in an attempt to hold back his tears. When he first heard of the Princess's return, the Council were pushing him to take action against her for "failing Princess Mipha," however Dorephan couldn't find it in his heart to do so. The tragedy of his daughter and the other Champions would forever haunt him, yet he knew that the Hylian Princess hadn't sat back as her Kingdom burned; she saved their Hero and fought for longer and harder than ever before.
And as the Princess stood before him today, he held nothing but respect for her and the Champion behind her.
Ganon killed his daughter; not them. And now they fought for his daughter's legacy, and for that he would always be indebted to them.
"And the Zora shall be at your side, Princess," the Zora King concluded. "Divine Beast Vah Ruta, cleansed thanks to the teamwork of my son and your appointed Knight, is a shining beacon which represents the union between Hyrule and the Zora folk." He does not know of Ruta's failing functionings… He then nodded to Link, "Your efforts will be in the history of our people for many generations to come, Hero."
The Princess smiled, "We asked for our Hero and we received him. We couldn't have asked for anything better."
Link bowed his head, taken over by the Princess's words. Pride for her and embarrassment at her bold claim swelled within him, warmth flooding into his cheeks without warning.
Upon clearing his throat, the Hylian woman turned her attention back to King Dorephan. "I assume that you shall claim the throne for yourself, Princess?"
"I will."
"And who will you choose to be seated beside you, Your Grace?"
The question threw her for a moment, although she briskly recovered, "I am not certain yet, Your Majesty. I have been focused on my Kingdom rather than a consort."
She could hear the Zora Council muttering their disapproval behind her; what sort of Princess wouldn't have a consort prepared?
However, much to her surprise and relief, King Dorephan was quick to raise a silencing hand, his voice booming, "I believe the Princess of Hyrule has been wise in her decision. I simply had to ask and I will hear none of your rebuttal."
She nodded firmly, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Nonetheless," said Dorephan after a brief pause, "I implore you to consider a consort for the future; Hyrule needs strength now more than ever." An old voice in her mind chastised herself for not even thinking about Hyrule's consort, though she was quick to ignore it; she had more pressing issues, after all. "Now I dismiss you all. I wish to speak with the Princess of Hyrule alone."
Her eyes found those of her companion's as they all ushered themselves out promptly, sorely missing his presence already and confused at how quickly he left without looking at anyone. I shall inquire later, she resolved. Now I must do this alone.
Once all had exited, King Dorephan leaned forward on his throne slightly, "Now, Princess of Hyrule, I wish to ask you something private."
She smiled sadly, nodding numbly, "I am happy to tell you all you wish to know about her."
A hush descended between the two, and then she began to well up.
"She truly was a remarkable woman, Your Grace…"
The sun was quickly beginning to set over Zora's Domain, casting its warm rays between the crags behind them. A mist swept through the valley as night began to fall, dropping the temperature rather quickly. Whilst a pale blue still lingered in the sky, a soft orange was quick to begin its claim over the sky for the evening. It was a daily display of elegance that Prince Sidon always loved. Even though the breeze was cool against his scales, there was a strange serenity to Zora's Domain in the evening that made the temperature drop much more bearable.
King Dorephan had asked for his son, the Council, and the remaining Zora to leave the chamber whilst he and Zelda discussed a private matter. Sidon assumed this matter was that of Mipha, who was the main connection between the Princess and the Zora King; the one person that always seemed to keep everyone together. Sidon smiled at the thought as he made his way down the curved steps, glad that something good was finally coming to his homeland.
The Zora Prince was about to follow the Councilmen down into the main plaza to eat, however his attention latched onto the Hylian Champion standing on the balcony overlooking Mipha's statue, their arms resting on the edge as they gazed down. Sidon was quick to excuse himself from the other Zora and made his way onto the large balcony, gazing out with them.
The luminous stone used to decorate most of the Domain was becoming even brighter with the sun's descent, casting beautiful soft hues across the stone and marble as the light faded. "The Domain is truly beautiful," Link murmured.
"You're right about that," the Zora replied, then, "If you would like, I can show you and the Princess around?"
The Hylian smiled, "I would like that, Sidon, but not tonight—I'm rather tired."
The Prince smiled, only to frown when he noticed the slight tremor in his friend's hands. He was, as Councilor Muzu once put it, "quivering like a hatchling." The only other time Sidon had seen him in such a way was when he remembered his sister Mipha; partially breaking through his amnesia. Clearing his throat, the Prince remarked, "Did you… did you remember something, Link?"
Both sets of eyes fell onto his shaking hands, and the Champion was quick to lower them to his sides with a breathless laugh, "Was it that obvious?" The Zora said nothing, merely smiling and allowing his friend to carry on. "It must have been when I gave Mipha's Trident back to the Princess… I remember giving it back to Mipha one summer whilst she was training with it. She hadn't had it for long, but she was quick to master the basics. Though when a horde of monsters tried to attack the Domain, she twisted her ankle in the fight." A small smile graced his lips, "I had to piggyback her back here… she laughed all the way."
Sidon grinned, "Of course she would… I don't think I ever saw my sister sad." He sighed and rested his fins onto the balcony, "I just hope that I can live as she did and make everyone proud."
The Knight blinked, "But you helped to free Vah Ruta, you've fought monsters, you've been an incredible friend… of course you have made everyone proud."
"I thank you for the kind words, Link, truly. But few of those feats were done on my own." Sidon nodded towards Divine Beast Vah Ruta, which stood tall atop its perch in the far distance; trunk still poised in the air elegantly after playing its part in the attack on Calamity Ganon a year ago. "And there stands her legacy…" the Zora murmured, then, "I don't think I'll ever be able to do anything that my sister did. She was and still is my role model, Link… but I could never be anything like her."
Link thought on what Prince Sidon had thought before commenting, "You helped me to save Hyrule, and Mipha did the same. They may have been different circumstances, but you both did something incredible."
Sidon only frowned, "But I didn't necessarily help you that day… Mipha had excellent spear skills and healing skills. I just got you to where you needed to be."
The Champion regarded the Zora with a frown, surprised at the high expectations he held himself at. Link understood why, of course, but it saddened him to think that such a bright and optimistic person could be so hard on themselves. In reality, Prince Sidon was a good fighter and leader; he just needed to believe that he was strong like his sister, just in a different way because of the circumstances.
If he was older, he would have been the Zora Champion one hundred years ago.
The thought stopped Link for a moment.
He and the Hylian Princess had agreed to try and appoint new Champions of Hyrule in order to recreate the ties Rhoam had made between each of the races before the Great Calamity. And the fact that they had partially come to the Domain for that reason, Link glanced up to Sidon. In terms of the Zora, there was no one else that Link could think of who could be a better Champion. He was strong, smart, capable of being a leader, and clearly took after his sister.
He blinked once and saw Mipha holding out her baby brother to the Hylian, the Zora tiny but just as energetic.
He blinked again, and he was back in the present; a migraine forming.
Although Link thought that his companion should be there, he knew that he would only plant the seed now.
"What if you became a Champion like her?" he blurted, causing the Zora to snap his haze down to him with wide eyes. "I-I mean, Vah Ruta has lost some functionality now that Mipha is no longer controlling it, and it needs someone to look after it in the coming years."
Sidon blinked a few times, "But we aren't fighting anymore…?"
"I know, but it doesn't mean that Ruta should stand alone and fall into disuse. All I'm saying is," Link added, "Is that we all believe in you, Sidon, just as you always believed in me and everyone else… and if you truly want to be like Mipha; maybe it isn't as hard as you think."
They descended into a deep silence before the Prince spoke again.
"You once said that Mipha gave you her healing abilities… is that true?" Link nodded silently. Sidon avoided the Hylian's gaze before saying, "Would you be able to teach me? I should know the healing arts as a Zora, but it's… I want something to remember her by…"
The Prince was quick to wipe away the tears that began to fall, eyes widening when a hand was placed on his arm.
"Of course I will, Sidon."
He smiled, then cast his gaze back to Vah Ruta. He could have sworn that he felt his sister's spirit nearby as he whispered, "Thank you, Link. You truly are incredible!"
He simply smiled; despite everything, Sidon's positivity never changed.
A sudden wave of fatigue came over the Champion, and as much as he tried to hide it, his Zora companion was quick to notice. Lightly clapping the Hylian's back, Sidon nodded down to the square, "Go and rest, Link. A Champion needs his rest, and your Princess is safe with us." The Hero went to politely decline, though the Prince was quick to chuckle, "Put your pride aside, Mr. Hero. You may even remember more while you sleep!"
He sighed, then, "Alright… just please send someone to fetch me once the Princess has finished."
Sidon smiled, though it quickly turned into a frown once Link descended the steps and disappeared for sight. Returning his eyes to the silhouette of Vah Ruta, he sighed deeply, "He's remembering more and more of you, dear sister. You must be proud!" He paused, then, "Well, I suppose I have much to consider..."
"Ah, there you are, Princess!"
Zelda turned away from the decayed monument as Prince Sidon's booming voice reached her. After her rather emotional meeting with King Dorephan about Mipha, the Princess had made her way down to the area beneath the Throne Room to collect her thoughts. She was still rather raw and tearful from the meeting with King Dorephan, though was quick to compose herself as a familiar voice reached her ears.
Turning slowly, she smiled and bowed to the tall Zora.
"Ah, Prince Sidon. I hope that we haven't kept you waiting all this time."
"Of course not, Princess!" he grinned as he made his way to her side, inspecting the monument she was looking at, "Were you trying to read the scriptures?"
She hummed, "Yes, though time has taken its toll on it. I can barely read the story…"
"Thankfully I know the story off by heart," Sidon said, causing Zelda's eyes to widen with awe and a silent question. He chuckled, "It prophesies of a Hero named Link striking down the infamous Lynel which makes it home atop Shatterback Point on Ploymous Mountain." Sidon grinned knowingly at the Hylian Princess, pearly sharp teeth glowing in the dying light, "I'm sure you can guess who this tale belongs to?"
"I believe I do," she giggled, then, "And there are more like this?"
The Prince nodded, "Yes, stories about various rulers and even the tradition of making the Zora armour for the one that the female Zora loved." Zelda's gut twisted as she was reminded of Mipha's deep affection for her companion. While she could never be jealous of the Zora—she was beautiful, kind, funny—she was always mournful of the Champions. After all, they were her companions and dearest friends who laid down their lives for her cause. It wasn't something that she could repay lightly.
Noting her silence, the Zora suddenly blurted, "I think Mipha always knew that his heart belonged to another."
She blinked a few times, snapping her gaze up to the Zora, "P-Pardon?"
"When I was younger, she told me that she was making her Zora armour for another even though she was sure he didn't care for her in that way. She still wanted to try, and I admired her," he said without looking at her, then, "But she knew, and so did I once I grew older and met your Hero without his memories. He spoke about you as if he didn't know you, of course, but with such a certainly to protect you that I knew, even without his memories, that his heart was yours. I can see it in your eyes as you look at each other—you are his rock and he is your rock."
Her lips parted, "I-I apologise, Sidon… you are correct in your assumptions, however we do not mean to act improperly; especially here of all places. The last thing we would wish to do is offend."
There was a pregnant pause.
Then the Zora burst out laughing.
Heat rose into the Princess's cheeks as she tried to stay calm, jumping when Sidon's hand curled over her shoulders. "Princess, you could never offend! Even if Mipha stood here now, I'm sure she would just be happy to see the two most burdened people find happiness—I know I sure do! I think it's wonderful that something good has finally come out of this once horrid situation, don't you think?"
"I…"
Then came something that she truly wasn't expecting.
Sidon knelt down before her and took her hands into his, "What happened to my dear sister was a tragedy that was not your doing despite what the Council have illusioned themselves into believing. I, Prince Sidon and the rest of the Zora, and overjoyed that you have returned and have found joy. We will be at your side as Hyrule is built and beyond."
"Thank you, Prince Sidon," she breathed in true awe.
"But you also came here for another reason, did you not?" he added after a brief pause. "Now that each of the Divine Beasts has been safely returned to us from Ganon's grasp, your Knight mentioned that Vah Ruta has fallen into some disrepair. Does this mean that you will be visiting each of the Divine Beasts to fix them and appoint them with new pilots?"
"I… well we had discussed as such prior to our arrival, yes," Zelda murmured, "But we cannot force such a role onto any of the races so soon after Calamity Ganon's defeat. The people must mourn, and I doubt many would be happy to send their people back into the machines that were corrupted and killed their ancestors…"
Sidon passed her a soft smile, "Then allow me to ease your weariness, Princess. I would be absolutely honoured to serve as Vah Ruta's pilot. As one who helped to save her, and Mipha's younger brother, it would only be logical that I would be the next pilot. We are at peace, so there would be no reason to fight unless it was a last resort, and it would only strengthen our bond." He paused, then, "Please, Your Grace, allow me to be appointed the next pilot of Divine Beast Vah Ruta."
Zelda was too flabbergasted to speak, so much so that her mouth was agape for far too long. By the time she recovered, she was quick to stammer, "P-Please rise, Prince Sidon. You need not kneel before me; especially not whilst I stand in your Domain!" He chuckled as he stood. The Hylian paused before breathing, "And if it is your desire, Sidon, then I cannot stop you. After all, Vah Ruta belongs to your people, not I."
"Oh thank you, Princess!" Sidon cried, leaping forwards and wrapping his strong arms around her. "You truly are our path to the future and a dear friend! Thank you ever so much!"
She allowed herself to shove formalities aside and gleefully return the embrace.
They were still smiling as they pulled away. "You are very welcome," Zelda said, "Now, I do believe that a trip to Divine Beast Vah Ruta is in order before we depart. Shall we venture out tomorrow morning?"
Sidon was quick to nod, "That would be most splendid, Princess!"
She smiled, "Please, just Zelda will do."
"As you wish, Zelda! Why shouldn't we use such a beautiful name?"
She barely had time to blush before a young female Zora made their way towards them, a timid smile etched onto her features, "Um, Master Link is in the square for you…"
"Thank you, Lulu. You are dismissed." After a small bow she was gone, leaving them alone once more. Sidon clasped his hands together loudly, "Well we shouldn't keep our Hero waiting, should we? Hopefully I can get him to relay his epic fight against the Lynel to you!"
Holding his arm out to her, Zelda rested her hands on his scales and made her way down towards the square with the Zora Prince at her side. A deep wave of relief flooded through her system; she had been accepted by the Zora and potentially had another pilot for Vah Ruta beside her. Of all the things that could have passed, the Hylian Princess praised Hylia that she walked this path.
One race at her side; only three more to go.
Author's Note: Oh geez that was so rushed and horrible! I'm really not proud of this chapter but hopefully you don't hate it! Not much happened, did it? Aha well it'll be better with the next one I hope! And for the main few reasons why this took so long; other than general writer's block, I turned 18 last Friday and I also was accepted to my first choice university to study French! I'm moving in less than a month so I have lots to do! But I will try my best to keep writing for you guys!
Hope you liked this one; the next one is mostly done so it'll be out much sooner! :3
Also if you guys want to check out my story "United We Stand, Divided We Fall," then please do! Shameless plug, mainly because it's huge and I worked super hard on it. It's a longshot going through all the events 100 years ago between Calamity Ganon's return and when Zelda begins her fight against him so go and have a look if you're interested! :3
~RandomButLoved~