"Link, my friend! It's been a while! Welcome back to Zora Domain."

The hero grinned as he shook hands with the Zora Prince, seeing Sidon giving his signature grin like always as some of the people walked back with matching grins as they gave him their welcoming nods.

"Hi, Sidon," Link replied as he gave his own kind smile. "Is your father available right now? I— we — need to speak with him."

Sidon visibly blinked as he arched an eyebrow in confusion. "We?" he repeated, stretching his head. "But I only see— Oh!"

Zelda laughed as she stepped out from behind Link, watching as Sidon quickly dropped to his knees in a welcoming bow as he remembered seeing the blond throughout his childhood, especially when Mipha was named the Zora Champion weeks before the ceremony to make it official. Any passing by Zoras quickly took notice of the princess and mimicked their prince in welcoming.

The Hylians snickered as they watched the race rise as Sidon stuttered out his apologies for not noticing the princess beforehand, hoping it was okay with the late bow of respect. Zelda did her best to reassure the Zora Prince that no bows were necessary since they were friends.

Relief washed over the red Zora.

Sidon quickly cleared his throat. "I believe my father is available at the moment. He's with Muzu right now but he can make an expectation for you, I'm sure. He'll be thrilled to know his old friend's daughter is here once again."

As the prince ran off to alert his father of the visitors, Link took Zelda's hand into his own as he pulled her through the Domain, stopping at Mipha's statue to allow her some comfort in seeing the last remaining memorial of their dear friend. He heard her take a sharp intake of breath as her eyes landed on the statue. As of right now, Link had no doubt her heart was pounding as she fought back tears.

He couldn't take it the moment he heard the harshness of the sobs escaping past her throat as he pulled her in close, kissing her head, allowing her to bury her head into his neck like he had done so long ago that fateful day they were trying to get to Impa, Purah, and Robbie.

His biggest weakness was her. He knew that now.

"Shhh," Link whispered, running his fingers through her hair in comfort. "It's okay. She's at peace now with the others."

Zelda sucked in a shaky breath as she exhaled. "I know, but she still didn't deserve to die the way she did. It must've been painful. The Champions never deserved to die. They should've lived on like we did."

Link's heart twisted. She really knew how to pinch those heartbreaking strings all hearts contained with her words. He was both amazed and cursing that ability of hers but he didn't speak out about it. Instead, he kissed her head again before capturing her lips with his own.

"They died knowing we would be able to save the Kingdom," Link replied softly. Maybe even softer than he thought. "I think they would be glad to die for their Kingdom as many times as it takes for us to win again."

"It still hurts— hurts to know they died a horrible, painful death. They were trapped inside those Divine Beasts for so long…"

"And I know they had nearly given up hope until I came along again. They said so themselves when I freed their spirits. But they also told me to tell you that you shouldn't blame yourself for what happened— well, Urbosa — said to tell you, but I know for a fact the others wouldn't want you to blame yourself too."

Zelda smiled with a broken laughter escaping past her lips as she pictured the Gerudo sternly telling Link to tell her that. She could imagine Urbosa standing in front of her, saying to never blame herself for anything that could go wrong because no one was truly ever to blame for the worst coming out— it just happened, that's all.

With a deep breath, she wiped at her eyes to clear her face from the red marks the tears left behind.

"You're right," she breathed out. "I shouldn't blame myself."

Link grinned. "Are we ready to head up to King Dorephan?"

Zelda took another deep breath as she nodded, clasping their hands together as they headed towards the steps that would lead upward to the throne room where the Zora King was. Prince Sidon was just coming towards the steps himself when he saw them; his signature winning smile appeared on his features as they got closer to him.

Sidon cleared his throat. "My father is available to see you. Just to let you know, I didn't tell him who was here to see him, just that he had visitors."

"Thanks, Sidon," Link nodded his thanks. "Oh, do you think you can join us? We want to ask your father something and you need to be present."

"Oh?" Sidon asked, clearly taken aback but he didn't reject the idea of being able to spend more time with the hero and princess— they were his sister's friends after all. "Of course, I'll join you! I wouldn't say no to my sister's friends."

Link's heart tightened. Would he still say that when he found out they wanted him to be the next Zora Champion?

Now that he thought about it; how would King Dorephan and Muzu think about the suggestion? Their minds would no doubt go back to the time when Mipha had been awarded the title of Zora Champion for her spear skills and how she ended up dying inside of Vah Ruta— trapped there for 100 years until Link came back mysteriously and freed the Divine Beast from Ganon's control. He had no doubt King Dorephan wouldn't be allowing his only child left to follow in his sister's footsteps so easily.

As if she could sense his own fear concerning Dorephan's answer, Zelda tightened her grip on his hand, giving it a comforting squeeze as they followed Sidon into the throne room where King Dorephan was sitting, speaking in whispers with Muzu, who looked more stern and serious than his king did— it was normal; the old Zora always looked that way.

The moment King Dorephan's eyes landed on Zelda, a gasp escaped his throat as tears swelled up in his old, wise eyes. Muzu gave his own gasp when he saw the long lost princess of Hyrule.

Link gave them a grin as he nodded to confirm their thoughts; it really was Zelda.

The Zora Prince moved to take his place next to his father, standing like a perfect prince he had grown up to be— always taught how to stand with pride when someone came to visit their Domain.

"P-Princess Zelda," King Dorephan stuttered out, holding back a sob. "I thought you had died along with everyone else inside of Hyrule Castle."

"No, I managed to escape with Link," Zelda replied. Her voice was equally as shaky as her eyes met with Muzu's. She forced herself to focus on Dorephan. "I am so sorry for Mipha's demise. I never meant for that to happen— we had no idea it would happen."

King Dorephan's grip on his armrest tightened as he shook his head. "No, you had no control over such things. Do not blame yourself, Princess. The Zoras are still allies with that of the Hylians."

"I understand. Thank you, King Dorephan."

Link cleared his throat, stepping to his love's side. "We have something to ask of you, King Dorephan. Two things, in fact, but both equally as important."

"What would that be?" King Dorephan asked.

"We want to rebuild Hyrule Castle and the town," Link began, nervously licking his lips as he shifted. "We need the Zoras' help— can you lend us a hand? We just need some of your best builders and a few materials."

"Of course!" laughed King Dorephan.

Muzu arched a brow. "And the other thing?"

Instantly the nervousness was back. Both Hylians looked at each other before Link's eyes darted to Sidon, who was equally as confused as his father and Muzu.

"Right," Zelda coughed. "The other thing…"

"Well, you see…" Link swallowed. "We want to… uh… have a new band of Champions…"

"Absolutely not!" Muzu snapped, shaking his head as he stepped towards them. Sidon's eyes widened at the sight of the angry Zora. "You are not going to sacrifice yet another Zora!"

"Muzu!" snapped King Dorephan, surprising Sidon. He had never heard his father so upset before. "That's enough!"

Link jerked back. "King Dorephan?"

King Dorephan growled before taking a deep breath to calm himself down as he leaned back in his seat. Sidon swallowed thickly as he locked eyes with his father, seeing the anger slowly vanishing. It was official, King Dorephan had ran out of patience when it came to Muzu's ways— he was done with how Muzu treated their Hylian visitors because of Mipha's death.

They had no control over it. Muzu had to understand that.

"Enough," King Dorephan repeated, more calm now. "Tell me, why make a new brand of Champions when there is no threat?"

Zelda took a deep breath to calm her nerves. "That's just it. We want new Champions because a new threat could arise, but we also need help. The new Champions can protect and help with their own races as well as rebuilding Hyrule."

"I see. And, who out of the Zoras would you like to be the new Champion?"

Link stole a glance at Muzu, before squaring his shoulders. "We want Prince Sidon to be the new Champion."

"Me?" echoed Sidon, feeling honored. "You want me to succeed my sister?"

"Yes," nodded Zelda. "We would— since you helped Link with Vah Ruta, you've displayed the most courage and skill for the rank. Just like Mipha displayed her quality with her spearmanship. You're the best choice."

"Of course," added Link, "— we want your opinion, King Dorephan."

King Dorephan nodded silently as he thought back to when his daughter was being appointed the Zora Champion. Mipha had been the Zoras' pride and joy back then and when she died, Sidon had taken her place as the future for their Domain. He couldn't ever remember seeing his son so upset and shut-down as he was when the news of his sister's death had been delivered to him.

He could still remember the way Sidon refused to accept it, running out without a care in the world— begging Mipha to appear from Ruta. She never did.

From that moment onward, Sidon would constantly be out at the place Mipha would go to train with her spear to escape Muzu's lessons, practicing his own spearmanship skills. He had managed to get to the point where he could use two tridents instead of one like his sister chose to use.

Both children were equally skilled with a trident— making him so proud of his children for gaining that trait from him.

As he looked at his son, he could see the hopefulness in Sidon's eyes. His wife's eyes— his daughter's eyes. Sidon was silently begging and praying he would get the chance to succeed his sister's rank; to take her place and make her proud from the afterlife. He knew his son would never forgive him if he were to take this away from him— no matter what Muzu said about it nor thought about it.

Link and Zelda were watching with tension, nervously glancing at Muzu who was currently scowling at the pair for even suggesting Sidon take Mipha's place, suggesting that a new band of Champions were to be formed.

No, he couldn't take this away.

"Sidon," King Dorephan breathed out. Sidon didn't waste time as he turned to his father, trying to keep the hopefulness down. "Tell me something, son; how much do you want this? How much would it mean to you if you were able to succeed your sister?"

Sidon felt like he was shaking as he tried to control his breathing. "A lot, father. It would mean a lot if I could take Mipha's place. I know I can't replace her— Hylia aboves knows no one can replace my sister, but I know I could do it."

In Zelda's eyes, all she could see was a much younger Zora prince who just wanted his sister's attention and pride; who wanted Mipha's attention more than anything and adored her more than life itself. But now that young prince had grown into a future King worth everything— who'd bring the Domain to greatness.

"I think he could do it," Zelda piped up. Both royals and Muzu turned to her. She gave a small smile. "If there's anyone who can do it— who can make Mipha proud; it's Sidon."

Sidon gave her a happy smile, thankful she was agreeing with him. Link nodded his own agreement, shooting his friend his signature smile and Sidon couldn't help but jump for joy inside.

Both were agreeing with him.

King Dorephan took a deep breath. He was going to risk his only child. He was taking the big risk again. "Then you have my approval," he eventually said. "You can become the Zora Champion, Sidon."

"Thank you, father!" Sidon cried with relief.

Muzu stuttered out in disbelief. "My lord! How can you agree to this? We already lost Lady Mipha! Do you want to lose Lord Sidon as well?"

"You won't lose me!" Sidon shot back. "Calamity Ganon is no longer around thanks to Link and Princess Zelda. The Divine Beasts also did their part."

"Which reminds me…" King Dorephan trailed off. "Do you think you can take a look at Vah Ruta?"

Link blinked. "What's wrong with Ruta?"

Sidon sighed as he shared a look with his father before locking eyes with the Hylians again. "It's stopped responding to us. At first, it let out a cry, and when I went to see what was wrong— it wouldn't let me near. I'd be so close before I'd realize I was back at the Domain."

It took them back to know Ruta could teleport people away from it. But then again, Link thought as his mind threw back to what had happened when he got too close to the Divine Beasts by accident; he too had been summoned away from them, but it wasn't far away. It was only a few inches or so, not back to the town's they were near.

Something was wrong.

He exchanged a look with Zelda and knew instantly they had to investigate the Divine Beast. They couldn't just leave Ruta alone knowing this information; what if it was slowly going back under Ganon's control?

What if Waterblight Ganon hadn't been completely defeated?

"We'll take a look," promised Link.

King Dorephan smiled widely. "You have my thanks, hero."

"Wait a moment!" cried Muzu, spinning on his heels to face his King. "Are you serious about allowing Lord Sidon to become the Champion?"

"I have no reason to deny him the means of becoming the Zora Champion. He wants, believes, and strives to become the Zora Champion, so he shall. I truly believe he will make us and Mipha's spirit proud."

Zelda watched as Muzu stiffened slightly and she knew instantly why he didn't want him to become the Champion— he couldn't bear the loss of yet another royal. He had already lost his precious student, what would happen if they had lost Sidon too?

It seemed like Link had also realized why Muzu was so against this. He was biting his lip, wondering what to say to convince the old Zora that Sidon wouldn't be lost like his sister.

But nothing came to his mind.

Sidon took a moment to collect his thoughts before speaking. "Muzu, look, I won't die. I can handle a bit of heat— my assistance with Link when it came to boarding Vah Ruta is proof. Nothing is going to harm the new Champions. Plus, I know how to fight."

"So did Lady Mipha," Muzu pointed out. "She was still defeated."

"Waterblight Ganon was beyond her skills!" snapped Link, unable to hear this go down for much longer. His anger was rising at the disrespect. "Do you honestly think the Champions could've known that those Blights were going to show up with the goal of killing? No! So don't go assuming, Muzu!"

"Link," Zelda warned, placing her hand on his shoulder. "Calm down, darling."

Link shook her head off, his anger far too raisen to listen to her reasons as his glare hardened at the old Zora. He gritted his teeth despite the way the royals were looking uncomfortably at each other, glancing between the pair the tension was between. Sidon took a deep breath to collect his wits before stepping between them, pushing Muzu and Link away from each other.

"Please, don't fight," Sidon said. "Not right now. We have to deal with Ruta."

"Right," Link sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Right, yeah… I'm sorry, Sidon. I'm sorry."

Muzu grumbled his own apology before storming out of the throne room, unable to deal with this at the moment. He needed to vent to his friend, knowing he wouldn't be able to control his anger if he stayed. Sidon watched the older Zora until he tore his gaze back at the Hylians.

Sidon shook his head. "No, it's okay."

King Dorephan cleared his throat. "You can find Ruta just outside the Domain on top of the mountain where a pool of water lays. Find out what's wrong and calm our Divine Beast down— ease whatever pain is causing the discomfort."

"You can count on us," Zelda nodded.

"In the meantime, we'll try to calm Muzu and change his mind. But Ruta is our top priority," Sidon explained.

Link nodded, taking Zelda's hand into his own to help calm him down. "Do you think we could take a few moments before we leave? I want to make sure I'm fully calm before anything."

Sidon smiled. "Take as much time as you need, my friends."

After giving their thanks, Zelda pulled Link out from the throne room and down to Mipha's statue. Thankfully, Muzu wasn't around at the moment which meant Link could easily calm his anger without having to see the older Zora. She didn't know what happened but something inside her usually cool and calm love had snapped and his anger went upward without any sort of warning— she was convinced he would've done much more than yelling at Muzu if Sidon hadn't stopped him.

But then again, she couldn't see Link making the fight physical. He would've just used his word.

Deep down, she never wanted to see that again. Anger definitely didn't suit the hero. But only time could tell if she would get to see the angered man again and she really hoped she wouldn't have to.

"I'm sorry," Link whispered out as he leaned against the statue. "I didn't know what overcame me. I just felt… angry all of a sudden at how Muzu was speaking about Mipha's skill and how she died to Waterblight Ganon's hands."

Zelda gave him a sad smile. "It's only natural that you did," she whispered, placing her head on his shoulder. It was only right he get defensive of their friends if they were disrespected in any way. They had died fighting for Hyrule's safety and future after all.

"I need to apologize to Muzu."

"Let's worry about that after we check out Vah Ruta, okay? Like Sidon said, Ruta is our top priority at the moment. We need to make sure Ruta isn't slowly going back under Calamity's control— the Divine Beasts need to stay on our side, no matter what."

Link knew she was right. The Divine Beasts would always be their top priority. They couldn't afford to have them start malfunctioning on them— even if Calamity Ganon was no longer around— it would never be good to have those ancient relics start malfunctioning on them; especially when he saw what their attacks could be.

He shivered.

Naboris' lightning, Medoh's forcefield and lasers, Ruta's ice, and Rudania's watchers that would alert it to set off the mountain. All of those attacks could be much deadlier if anything started to happen.

If he was being honest, the attack that scared him the most would have to be Rudania's. Thank Hylia he was able to destroy those watchers before anything could happen.

"Right," said Link. "We need to focus on Ruta."

"Are you ready to go?" asked Zelda.

Link nodded, handing her a weapon of her own. A royal guard's sword he had managed to pick up in the castle. It would do for now. Zelda smiled as she nodded her thanks.

He stole a look at her clothing. The Hylian set— female version. It wasn't much, and he had his own with him ( like his other gear and weapons ) and it was upgraded thanks to the Great Fairies. He would like her to wear his own, but decided against it.

Zelda could handle herself; she had proven that.

"Do you think this is happening with the other Divine Beasts?" Link asked as they headed off to the entrance of the Domain.

"I hope not," replied Zelda. "But if it is; we'll have to handle it."

"I say we get Death Mountain over with next," Link said. "I have some gear you can borrow until we get to Goron City to get your own."

Zelda nodded. "Thank you. Next stop, we'll head to Goron City after we deal with Ruta's problem."

"Right."

Whatever was going on with Ruta, Link hoped it didn't have to do with anything concerning WaterBlight Ganon. He didn't think he had it in him to deal with that Blight again— because if the Blight was back, that also meant ThunderBlight was back.

He hated both equally, though Thunderblight had his hatred just a little bit more than the others.