Chapter 9: The Divine Beasts
"The divine beasts? Not much, my people and the Hylians have been excavating one over the past year up by the eastern reservoir. Why don't we discuss this over some dinner, it's getting late Zelda." That's when I noticed just how hungry I was, I'd had nothing since breakfast. The princess and I both nodded and Mipha led us to her room, "I'll have someone bring us a meal, if you two don't mind we'll eat in my room," the princess simply replied, "Of course not Mipha, that would be wonderful." I was still wet from my swim and started to shiver a bit, Mipha noticed, "Link, if you'd like to change we'll give you a moment to get out of your wet armor. I'm sure you're freezing." I gave her a relieved smile and obliged. They exited the room, giving me a moment to change back into my normal armor. I looked on the back of my undershirt and sure enough there was a small gash where the arrow cut through. I'll have to get that patched up back home.
When I exited the room, both princesses were leaned against the railing and Mipha was aghast, "He got all four of them? Really?" I guessed they were talking about the Lizalfos incident, I didn't give much details about the encounter so I guess princess Zelda was filling Mipha in. They heard me exit and turned, Mipha looked at me, "A black Lizalfos attacked you and you had no problems?!" She was looking at me in disbelief, "Well, yeah, the Master Sword helps a lot," I didn't want to brag or anything, especially to two princesses, it wasn't very knightly. Princess Zelda spoke, "Not like he needed it! He's always been an incredible swordsman, my father told me all about it." I tried to hide my embarrassment, they were bragging about me and it made me feel weird. It was weird to me to receive praise from someone so bluntly like that. I heard some movement around the bend and Mipha spoke, "They'll bring a table and dinner in for us soon, tell me more about this fight, Link!" I slapped my palm on my face to hide my the heat I felt rising in my cheeks.
It wasn't long until a few attendants came by carrying a table, chairs, and some dinner. I inhaled when the plates went by, "Smells like the Hylian bass is on the menu! What's the seasoning they used? It smells incredible!" Mipha laughed at my antics, knowing me to be quite the eater, "Well we had some spices sent in from the Gorons from Death Mountain. They make an incredible sweet and spicy mix that's to die for!" Now I couldn't wait to eat. I watched the attendants intently as they set the table and uncovered the delicious food. Hylian bass with the red seasoning and a side of rice. That looks delicious!
Finally the table was set and it was time to eat. I rushed to pull out the seat of the princess while an attendant grabbed Mipha's chair. "Thank you, Link," the princess smiled back. I nodded and pushed her seat in, taking my own. Once situated, Mipha began the conversation, "So, Zelda, what did you want to tell me about the Divine Beasts?" After she finished chewing, the princess responded, "Well, we've learned the original purpose the Divine Beasts served when they were constructed 10,000 years ago. They were a countermeasure to an ancient evil, Calamity Ganon. They all had a pilot, a champion. This champion would guide the beast's actions to serve as a weapon against the evil. I came to ask if you would join me as a champion. It's no coincidence Link has pulled the Master Sword, the beasts are being uncovered as well as the guardians. I can feel something is coming soon." Mipha choked on her food at the proposal, "Me? A champion? But, I could never. I'm not a strong fighter, how could I help?" Zelda smiled reassuringly, "Mipha, you are more strong than you give yourself credit for. You have incredible fight in your soul, an unshakable will and determination, and the blessing of healing no Zora has had in centuries. You are the champion we need." This was the first I'd heard about any calamity or ancient evil, but I too felt the coming of something terrible. We had to be ready, and Mipha was the right choice.
As the evening progressed, the princesses discussed the details of being a champion. They talked about Vah Ruta, the great machine that was currently being excavated by Zora's Domain. I kept mostly to eating, I couldn't help it. The fish was delicious! I did keep listening to the conversation around me, however. It was intriguing, seeing this very knowledgeable side of the princess. She's so smart. I was caught staring when the princess spoke, "What is it, Link? Is there food on my face?" She looked worried, I went red and averted my gaze, "No, princess. I must excuse myself, I, need to train?" My tone certainly didn't help with my lie. Mipha looked down and the princess simply nodded at my odd behavior. I grabbed the Master Sword and left the room. I probably look like a fool right now. I can't keep having these lapses in concentration. My sword hummed as I left the room, "You really shouldn't lie to her, master. She is very smart, I agree. But be careful, there is a great deal at stake you must always be on guard to protect her. She is just as important to fighting the calamity as you are, master." I knew Fi was right, I can't keep all of this bottled up. Would it help if I said something? No way, that would make it awkward. I just need to focus on protecting her and getting stronger! Maybe another day...
There was a light rain out and I let it fall, focusing on each drop as it passed. Sword sheathed I waited to strike. There! I quickly pulled my sword and slashed through the air, splitting my target in two. A single rain drop, which was now two, fell to the ground. With each training session, my skills were further refined. The power of the Master Sword was something to be reckoned with, that much was sure. Sheathing the sword, I prepared to strike again. I was out there about 30 minutes, maybe an hour? Suddenly my concentration was broken by the sound of soft footsteps behind me, "You like her, don't you?" I turned and my friend stood a few feet away, looking down I responded, "I shouldn't, but," she ran up and pulled me into a hug and sniffed, "It's okay, Link. I completely understand. How couldn't you be? She's wonderful." I held my friend as she softly sobbed, I understood her pain. I felt it myself, more so I felt guilt. It isn't right, it isn't fair to her. I just met the princess, how could I do this to Mipha? But it wouldn't be fair to show Mipha feigned affection either. I softly whispered, "I love you, Mipha. You'll always be my best friend, I'm sorry we couldn't be more. But," She slowly disengaged the hug, grinning through her tears, "I love you too, Link. Don't worry, I won't be going anywhere any time soon. I'm a champion now! We'll get to see each other a great deal more than we used to." I smiled at the thought, it was a nice sentiment and it was comforting. I always got your back Mipha. No matter what.
