Previously…
Investigating Vah Ruta in hopes to learn more about Mipha's disappearance, leaves them with more questions than answers.
And Link's fever finally strikes them both.
-Only obvious key points will be summarized. There are likely moments of an Unreliable Narrator or Sneaky Foreshadowing.-
Just his luck.
The past month had been far too much to handle, anything from awkward situations to down right infuriating moments. While autumn trees were losing their leaves, people were losing their brains. Platoons were fighting against each other over ranks and what privileges they had the right to. Which was none. The only difference was that some platoons were assigned to a particular station or duty, but they were all the same rank. Sure, there was a slight difference to a knight or a knight in training, however this wasn't the point. Apparently somewhere along the lines the knights came up with the idea that if they were assigned to a member of the council, that their rank was equal to that amongst knights.
Platoons serving Councillor Thaagit, the minister of law, were the worst of all. Going as far as giving orders to the newly knighted or attempting to obtain squires from freshly joined members who simply didn't know any better. It took a lot of back and forth to attempt to fix the issue. It ended up taking a rotation and some punishment for the more problematic knights before things got somewhat back to normal.
It probably wasn't helping that there were knights actively trying to prove that they're the best candidate for 'New Captain of the Guard'. It didn't matter the platoon, it seemed that there was at least one member from every team that wanted to be captain. So about forty-nine knights; or more, were causing a lot of unnecessary tension and ridiculous rivalry. It was almost as childish as them yelling 'Pick me! Pick me!'.
So when word reaches the barracks that a patient escaped the quarantined encampment and they need more people to search the area. Guess who all volunteered?
Naturally, Link had to go. The problem now was how Link was going to handle it. He couldn't very well in clear conscious hand them back over to the camp. Though, as he and the others rode out, he would just have to figure that out later. First, Link had to find them before anyone else.
~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~
Link had to hand it to the Hylian woman, she was good. Not only did it take hours to hunt down her trail, she had ditched her robes after mugging a travelling merchant of his clothing. He had even found traces of her cut curly hair along a riverbed. She had made the description given to the knights a complete guessing game with her efforts.
Honestly the only reason Link realized she was the escapee, was because she lost her composure and bolted into the woods as he approached to ask questions. Running through a forest had been a good choice, but while his mare had to take more time to find a path they could tread, she would ultimately outlast the woman.
Sure enough, as a break in the forest made way for a level clearing, Link caught up in seconds. Bringing the horse around to cut her off was not enough to deter her. As the woman made the risky move of diving under the horse, tumbling out the other side and then back on her feet at full speed. It was impressive and Link didn't hesitate a second longer before chasing after her on foot.
She was willing to risk injury or death to escape him and he wasn't going to take the same chance at running her over. But she was already running low on stamina and it wouldn't be long before Link caught up.
You don't know how lucky you are that it was me that found you! The Hylian man thought, clenching his teeth in focus as he reached to grab hold of her. Missing the first time, only to get her by her sleeve on the next. Then the struggling began and it wasn't as though he could give her words of reassurance, all he could do was hush her as he tried to keep her from running away. Which, Link imagined, from her perspective must have been absolutely terrifying.
He received a few good punches to his unguarded face and if not for it being strapped, his helm would have gone flying. Link felt bad for what he was about to do, and after getting a firm grip on her wrist, he gave a sharp twist, forcing her to turn around. Sweeping her legs out from under her in the same motion, she was then pinned to the ground by his knee. But as he began to secure her arms in rope, she got more desperate, starting to scream and Link didn't need another knight to come running to 'help'.
So he snapped his hand over her mouth, however he wasn't quite expecting her to bite down. Finger-less leather gloves did little to defend his hand, feeling her teeth through the protective layer. Without it, he believes she would have taken a chunk out. Still not wanting to hurt her, Link simply let her continue biting his hand rather than force her to stop. As he took his weight off her, she bolted upright, letting go of his hand to try and headbutt him. Which he avoided.
[Stop.] Link raised his hands towards her, only placing his hand on her again whenever she attempted to stand. Doing his best to be calm and nonthreatening as possible. [Stop.]
Even if she did not speak hands, these gestures were pretty universal, he was just hoping she got the message. [You. Me. Stop.]
After several minutes of this, exhaustion caught up to her and no longer had the strength to get up and run anymore. But now glared at him and said nothing. Link ignored it; he knew it was well deserved, and pulled forth the Sheikah slate. They weren't too far off from Mabe Prairie and that wasn't exactly a safe place for them to be. If he wasn't careful, they would be seen by the patrols.
But... Where do I take her from here? The Hylian woman couldn't very well go home or to any village for that matter. She would be reported if she was recognized or when her fever came. Looking back up at her, Link realized that he didn't know which trait she inherited. Is she like me or like that woman-?
Link strapped the slate back to his belt as he stood up, he knew where to take her.
~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~
"Sir Link?" The Sheikah woman stepped out from her home in caution, watching the knight struggle with getting their companion down from the horse. But she relaxed when he turned around, recognizing his face right away. "I did not receive word that we would be expecting you. Or-"
She paused as the other woman nearly fell over, but Link's hold on her was strong and braced her with ease.
"Why is that woman tied up?"
With only one hand free, he had no choice, but to finger spell. But Link didn't even make a single letter before she cut him off. "Never mind. Just, come in, I can't understand you like this."
Link pulled the other woman along as he followed after. Grateful that R had not turned him away. While their relationship was an odd one, they had communicated by letter a few times since he was rescued. The Gerudo wife still refused to share names, but he was at least given letters to address them by. Saved him the frustration of using Sheikah and Gerudo as some rude form of nicknames.
Led straight to the kitchen, R offered them to sit at the table while she added a log to the wood stove and put the kettle on. "Care to fill me in?"
Once Link got the Hylian woman to sit, he chose to stand and keep her within arms reach. From the bag on his belt, he procured a small note book and a fountain quill. It took till the time the whistle blew, but he managed to get everything he felt needed to be said down, along with his request.
"I see." R began softly once she had finished reading, then tore the pages out to toss them in the fire. The book was returned as she continued. "While I am grateful that you did not turn her in, I don't know for sure if she can, or rather, will remain here."
The young man glanced to his rescue, knowing full well that attempting to keep her here against her will would be no different than what the camp had done. Yet, he still hoped that she would choose to accept their help.
"Well, first thing we should do is untie her." With a gentle smile R approached the other woman and began to work the rope. "I apologize on the behalf of Sir Link, you probably asked many questions and it must have been really scary when he didn't say anything."
Link almost became a little upset by that remark, he wasn't that bad, but the thing was...
"He is actually very kind, but Sir Link is mute. He speaks with his hands." The Hylian woman finally looks up at them with very tired eyes. While R takes this as a good sign, Link can't help but feel like something is off. "What's your name, sweetheart? Oh, and what type of tea do you prefer?"
This whole situation was starting to make Link's skin crawl. She had so much energy before, she should have recovered during the ride over, even just a bit. It had been a three hour ride after all. She also would not have known that he was taking her to a safe house. All her fight had died shortly after he caught her and not once had he heard her speak.
With the rope finally removed, they both half expected some sort of guard to go up. But she simply left her arms behind her back. R growing very concerned decided to check her over. "I'm a healer, I'm going to see if you have any injuries or infections, alright? If anything hurts, please tell me."
Link took that as a cue to step into the hall and leave the physician to their work. She began with the basics and while her temperature was a little warmer that it should be, her pulse, eyes and mouth all seemed normal. But while the woman complied and did all that was requested, she was still unresponsive to any questions R asked.
However, upon removing her coat to check for any open wounds she might have gained from her tussle with Link, R found something far worse. Twisting and spiralling marks, a heinous mix of what she could only compare to lightning and lashing scars. Yet the burgundy; in some places dark puce, discolouring of these marks made it look like one large bruise. With the removal of her shirt and further inspection, they seemed to be tangled around most of her body like the arms of an Octorok.
Her back seemed to have the worst of it, the darkest spot was just below her left shoulder blade. Possibly an entry wound. Much like lightening or electric injuries R had dealt with in the past. Here it was still swollen and irritated, its colour was a dusky plum. Upon touching one of the swelling lumps, the Sheikah was sharply stung and reflexively recoiled.
With a sickening, wet click, a jet-black sclera with a glowing yellow iris shot open from the woman's inflamed flesh. The surrounding marks began to emit a faint violet light. R screamed, bringing the eye to lock onto her and Link came charging back into the room.
"W-what is that!?" R shouted in fright, glancing from it to the warrior. Link couldn't believe it, it almost looked like- but it's been four years since it vanished and he's never seen it on anything living before. Quickly he drew his blade, yet just as he was about to strike, another swell of the skin twisted and sharp, crooked teeth became a deformed mouth.
"HyLiA...whY..." A nails-on-glass, broken, agony filled voice of a woman spoke from the monstrosity. A skin crawling, nausea inducing chill ran through them both, freezing them to the bone.
"why... pRiMa... I... FaIthfUl... done... NoThinG." It continued, flooding the kitchen with an aura of dread, of dangerous intent. Then it began pulsating, the glow spreading further through the markings, causing them to inflame and pull at the flesh it was trapped within. With a scream from both the parasite and host, the woman jumped to her feet and in unison, roared with rage. "..wHy...WHY!?"
Link finally got a grip on his nerve and cross slashed her from shoulder to hip, popping the eye and many other pulsing veins. The shriek was ear splitting as black ooze thickly splattered across the table, chair and Link. He was hit with an overwhelming smell of burning tar, a boiling bog and rotting flesh. Burning and stinging where the blood had made contact with his fingers and face. Link could even taste the drop that had hit his lip and instantly vomited.
"Oh goddess!" He could hear R trying not to puke as she ran for what he could only guess was the window, the familiar slamming of wood on wood. While the relief of fresh air rolling through helped, Link's armour and clothes where almost slathered in it. It forced him to continually puke. Everything was burning, his eyes, skin, nose, mouth, everything. Like he was melting, was it acid, it must be, Link's mind felt like a whirlpool of juices. "Sir Link!"
Link could hear her, but he was too occupied with trying to stop swaying and spitting up bile. He felt his body being pulled and pushed. The sound of armour clanging as it hit the floor rang in his ears. Were they melting off?
"You, argh, you must remove the contaminated items!" R managed to strip the armour and clothing that the blood covered with the little help the young man could give in his state.
Left with only his pants and belt, and his skin wiped clean, he sobered up. Though his teeth still felt like they were floating from the smell that lingered. [Thank you.]
"What in the world happened? Just what was that thing!?" She was still panicking as she raced through medical habits of inspecting and treating them both. The areas of skin that the blood had come in contact with were stained lilac. It stung like paper cuts whenever it was touched or the muscles shifted. She believed that they had prevented worse damage by wiping it away as soon as they did. If a few seconds could do this much, what would a few minutes or an hour be capable of? She planned on burning everything that had come into contact, she would pull the floor boards out if she had too.
A groan brought them to pause, both fixing their gaze on the woman laying limp over the table. There was a slow rise and fall to her body, she was still breathing. She was still alive. Link picked up his soiled blade and rushed over.
"Be careful!" R did not follow after, choosing to remain at a distance.
Link searched her, looking for anymore eyes growing from her skin, ready to strike. The black ooze burned his hands as he worked, it made him flinch constantly and want to stop. But he had to make sure. As he rolled her over on the table, the Hylian woman gave a high pitched whimper and as she met his gaze, she began to cry. The tears that came were blood red.
This is torture, she might be alive, but she's suffering. Raising his sword, Link believed an act of mercy was for the best. Yet the weapon felt so heavy in his hand. He was taken a bit by surprise when she lifted a trembling hand outwards and tried to speak. While no sound came out, Link eventually was able to read her lips. Help, was all she continued to say.
Setting the blade down, Link grabbed hold of her hand and sat her up. If she still wanted to live, he would do what he could to make that happen. It was the least he could do, after all, he played a part in all this. But the healing of wounds was best left to someone else. Link waved R over with his free hand and thankfully she approached.
"I have an idea of what you want from me, but... I don't know how much I can do. It's one thing for me to clean and bandage her injury, but." R stopped and looked down at her own hands, it was like she was wearing torn purple gloves. It was likely that she was already infected as well. She was honestly scared for not only for her life, but anyone else she might pass this on to. "I don't think it is something I can cure, I don't even know where to start. T-that parasite or whatever it was, could recover without me even noticing."
Link nodded in understanding, but surely she knew that someone still had to try. He moved the woman from the table to the chair, setting her down so she could be supported by the backrest and have her back open for R to work on. Then he picked up his sword and started to walk towards the door.
"Where are you going?" R questioned, fear clear in her features. Link looked back at her and tried to think of a quick way to explain. But she seemed to figure it out on her own. "But you aren't allowed to enter and if you were to use force..."
The young man held up his hand with his pointer finger and thumb close together, yet not touching.
"Little?"
With both fists up, he began to release his fingers one by one, very slowly. "Countdown?" He shook his head and began again. "Count...?"
He then pointed to his armour piled on the floor. She really hoped that she could figure out what he was trying to say and not frustrate him into just leaving. She didn't want to be left with this situation. I could really use you right about now, dear.
"...Armour?" He shook his head and did the action again. "Knight?" It was close enough so he nodded, but he didn't do any more actions, seeming to be waiting on her to put it together.
Great. So, little count knight? R doubted that, so she worked the words over in her head, adding in words he might not be able to express or changing them to different ones with similar meaning and tying it to where he wanted to go. One of them seemed to click. "There's a small amount of knights? What, and you plan on trying to sneak by?"
Link nodded, pleased she figured it out rather quickly and gave her a thumbs up. "No! Not good job!" Someone was getting the hang of this, he almost gave a small smirk of amusement. "Sir Link you are too recognizable to other knights or even other servants of the castle! If you insist on trying to sneak around for information, at least let me disguise you."
Never dressed as a Sheikah woman before, but that sounds like it will stir up a bunch more problems. The Sheikah clan is closely tied to the royal family after all. Link declined with the wave of his hand and turned once again to leave. But then he felt the back of his head being petted.
"Please return before sunrise." R said softly and Link ducked out from her touch. Well, fell, would have been a better way to put it.
Did she push me?! Link bitterly thought as he caught himself with his hands before face-planting into the hardwood. He went to turn and shoot her a glare, but his nausea made a comeback and his gut twisted in the worst of ways. It hurt, but he was able to prevent another round of throwing up.
"Huh, usually people turn into dogs. You're the first wolf I've managed to make. Though, I didn't see the green coming, but it suits you."
What? Just what was she going on about, he sighed and went get back up. But his body reacted strangely and did a small hop and landed back on his- paws?! When did that change? Shocked and freaked out, Link looked up and down his body. Fur covered, paws, tail and even a snout now that he noticed. He was- she really had turned him into a wolf!
"Easy now, it will take a moment for your body to adjust, but you'll be able to move like you were born this way." R tried to smile, quite proud of her skills, but this situation was very grave. "Remember, before sunrise. If you don't make it back before then, I won't be able to turn you back. You'll be stuck like this forever."
~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~
It was nightfall by the time the camp was within sight. Link was quite impressed by his speed, even with injured han-paws, he had paws now. Surprisingly hard to remember that kind of thing even after running on all fours for many hours.
There was a horrible scent in the air and to his dread it was similar to that of the blood from the unknown Hylian back at the house. It was likely to get worse as he got past those walls.
While getting in the back by descending down the Great Plateau would have been the best way to avoid any guards. It would be suicide to attempt that kind of jump without a glider. The walls were far too tall to jump and would be difficult to climb even if he had hands. But being a wolf was proving to be more helpful than he thought, if he was a man and looking so closely at the wooden fortress like this, he surely would be suspected of something. Link could test for weak points; find places they may have slacked on or even a spot that was deteriorating.
The sound of footsteps and the clinking of metal reached his ears, causing his ears to twitch in the direction it was coming from. It was both weird and almost an annoying feeling, he was still having a hard time telling how far off something was and even small things sounded bigger than he was use to.
So unfortunately, much of it was a guessing game, at least this time he knew it was a guard. But instead of bolting, he waited, testing to see how someone would react to a wolf being here. It took a few minutes before the light of the lantern was on him.
"Is that..?" The guard spoke aloud and by the sounds of it, kinda irritated too. "Oh for the love of'a- shoo! Get your scrawny, rabid hide out of here!" They drew their sword and lazily fanned it towards Link.
Take that as you don't care at all. Good. He then took off out of sight and made a turn for one of the entrances. He sat in a bush outside the line of light and watched for an opening. He doubted that he could simply walk right on in, even if the gate was open. Perhaps he could sneak in behind one of the guards and pretend to be a pet?
Link glanced back at his tail and wiggled it back and forth. Seems he could fake dog-like happiness. Good thing he didn't have to learn how to use this body, everything felt normal and natural. It was only when he thought too hard about it that his body seemed to feel alien.
A deep creaking and groaning sound drew back his attention. Just up the path on its way over, was a wagon. This was too good to pass up. Creeping up to the edge of the brush, he waited until it passed by, checking for any guards stationed on the back. There was none. Perfect.
With a running jump, Link landed quite well and dove under one of the tarps holding the cargo in place. Thankfully the wagon was in terrible condition and covered up any noise he made with a racket of its own. Though the horse must have notice something as he could hear it give a sound of alarm. Shit.
"Knock it off, we know ya don't like the place." One of the guards at the reins grumbled.
Before long, the wagon came to a stop and a voice that was a little farther off asked. "Anything to report?"
"No. All clear."
A loud rumble followed by a long groan was the next thing Link could hear. Then they were moving again. Must be the gates.
Practically whacked in the face by a bat, Link gagged from the strong smell of rot. He chose to breathe through his mouth from here on out and just maybe he'll out last the horrid scent.
Carefully, with his ears flattened to his head, Link peeked out from the tarp. Within the wooden fortress at last, he could see numerous tents, some large, some small. There was less people inside than he was expecting, he could see an number of guards along the walls, but there was next to no workers moving about. Perhaps there was a curfew in place? Fine by him, it would be easier to sneak around.
When there was no one around, he hopped off and dashed between two tents. Glancing around the corners, he decided to head in the direction of the most noise. Link kept low and always made sure he wouldn't be spotted as he moved from one spot to another. As he got closer the noise suddenly stopped, fearing that someone had notice him, he froze. Straining to listen, the sound of the night was broken by a single voice.
That was very strange or at least it was before he laid eyes upon the tent. It was blood red, standing out from all the beige and white. The entrance had banners on either side, with characters Link had never seen before. But there was one thing that seemed almost familiar, the sigil or crest that was embroidered above the cloth doorway. He couldn't recall where or when, but swears he has seen it before. Something about a trip around where he first met Kilton.
"-Hylia," His goddess's name snapped his attention back to the tent. "has forsaken you child. Cursed you for being born with gifts she did not give."
Link darted around the red tent and found a loose spot to wiggle his head under to get a look at what was happening. Unfortunately the most he got out of this view was feet and chair legs, but he did notice that there was someone on their knees at the centre of this gathering.
"Know it is not your fault that another deity blessed you upon your birth. The abilities you possess were given to you, for Prima found you worthy. It is Hylia's jealousy that brings you suffering, for you are more perfect that she could ever hope to create." By the tone of voice, Link believed the speaker to be a woman and this situation, it was like a twisted form of a sermon. Every word made his blood boil, 'their wrong' screamed from his core. Whether it was his own faith or it was Hylia's will, he could not tell.
Then a young voice spoke up, it sounded like it came from the person on their knees. "Your wrong! H-hylia is the one that chose for me to be this way. There's nothing wrong with me."
That voice! Link's ears perked up, I've heard them before, I know them. But then he was abruptly hit with a feeling of loss. He had no name, no face he could recall, he couldn't even remember if they were a boy or girl. So why did he feel as though he knew the young one speaking?
Huh? Shocked, Link was suddenly peeking through the sliver of a door opening. He could hear the sound of someone in pain. As he blinked, the wolf was back to spying on the sermon. What was that?
"Then why do I hear hesitation in your voice, child?"
"It's not. I need- it's my fever. I-I can't... Hylia, help." Knowing full well how disorientating it could get, how quickly the fever could hit. It sounded like they were wavering and Link knew it was only a matter of time before the fever took hold.
"Then be with your jealous deity, I understand it can be hard to accept that the ones that were meant to protect you, have forsaken you. In time child, in time you will learn what it is truly like to be blessed." Two others approached the young one and pulled them to their feet. "We will be waiting for you when that time comes."
As they were forcefully removed, all Link could hear was their whimpering pleas and begging. While his mind was flickering from that scene to what was really happening, he still pulled out from the tent. For the first time being a wolf, Link could feel the build up of a growl in his throat.
Tailing after them was not hard, none of them bothered to look back so he made a note of things as he went. Like how the robe they wore was the same as the one the Hylian woman had tossed in her escape. That their hair was black and short. Skin pale like his own.
Journeying further and further towards the cliff side, the air was thicker with that horrible smell, along with some other salty and sweet scents. He didn't need to sniff, it was that strong, he could practically taste it. Here, there were many muffled sounds of suffering. Glancing inside tents as he went, many with either empty or tied closed.
But there was one that was slightly pulled back, like someone had recently entered. Taking a peek, in the dim light that a single candle gave off, Link watched a figure dressed in white working on someone laying on a mat. He could see many metal instruments laid out and a clay container of some kind. One of the doctors?
"There, all done." Link heard the doctor whisper under their breath and then turn to lift a dark mass over the container with a tool. If not for the glowing iris, Link would have not known what it was. The eye snapped in his direction the moment it was dropped in. It had sensed his presence.
Link took off before the doctor realized this too. As he rushed to catch up with the group he had been following, the wolf couldn't stop thinking about what he just saw. What was going on? Was there actual healing being done here after all? But then what about that unsettling cult meeting? Damn it all! He wasn't getting answers, he was only getting more questions!
When they entered a tent, Link hid from sight and waited until they left. With the coast clear, he wiggled his way under the tent. The sight he witnessed had him stone stiff. Inside a lone candle sitting in a disk off to the side lit up a small statue of Hylia, one like many seen all along Hyrule. At her feet was a spike hammered deep in the ground, from there a tether led to the young one Link had been following. Laid out on a mat spread out in the center, was a boy; likely no older than seventeen. And around his neck hung a thick, leather collar.
The boy was clearly feverish and trembled from his laboured breath as he tried to smile at the wolf. "I-it's okay. Don't be afraid." Speaking ever so gently, as if they expected Link to panic.
Hit with a sudden weightless feeling, Link gasps as his vision goes blank and all sound fades away.
Link could hear someone in pain, but he could not see anyone through the crack in the door. Pulling the old temple door open was tough on his own, but he managed. Someone was in trouble after all, he had to help or at least know which adult to run to.
"Who's there!?" Came a startled and familiar voice, Link spotted him curled up at the foot of Hylia. Relaxing at the sight of the small child, he gave a breath of relief. "Oh, it's just you, Link."
Rushing to him in worry, the older boy was quick to ruffle the blond hair. "I-it's okay. Don't be afraid."
But shouldn't that be the other way around, he was the one laying here all alone in pain. Link could feel the sting before his vision began to warp with tears. [What's wrong, are you hurt?]
"There's nothing wrong with me, just how I've always been. While I do hurt a little, it won't last forever." The young Hylian with black hair smiled softly. "You remember, don't you? About my secret?"
Of course he did, he'd never forget such a precious secret! Link bit his lip in frustration and nodded his head, earning another tussle of his hair from the older boy. The sweet moment was quickly ruined by a rather strong wave that had him gasping. "L-link, do me a favour. Get your sister. I need her, please hurry. I need her."
He turned and ran as fast as his little legs would carry him. All the while hoping Hylia would watch over him until his sister could help.
With a jolt, Link's eyes snap open.
A memory! Here?
Looking to the boy, it was if only a second passed. But his face was the same as the one from his memories, both from just now and one he did not realize was one until this moment. That time when he was receiving aid from the married couple, during his blackout after breakfast. Link had seen his face and while he still did not have a name, all that mattered was that they had been important to him. To his sister.
Sister, I have a sister. It would have brought forth a tear of joy if not for the dire situation or the fact he was a wolf. None of his memories that he had regained before had ever been about his family or of his childhood.
It was then that Link decided, he was going to take this boy back with him. Walking up to the boy, they didn't even seem to be frightened, instead they weakly reached out and petted his mane. "She sent you, didn't she?"
Link blinked and tilted his head, he had a feeling that the boy did not see him as he was, lost to the throws of the fever. Letting him do as he wished as Link inspected the collar around his neck. While it was leather, the lock indicated that it was metal on the inside. Still, he believed it was worth a try.
Carefully Link leaned in and got his fangs around it, though trying to get a good bite in was hard. As the boy kept squirming and judging by the giggling, either Link's nose or fur was tickling him. Being so focused on the task, the wolf didn't notice the return of footsteps.
With the fabric door tossed open, someone gave a shout. "Damn it, not again! Mad dog, that is not food!"
As quickly as his fur rose, Link's head popped up and this time the growl that built up was heard. Deep and loud, with powerful fangs on display as his lips curled in a snarl, Link's furious growl felt like it would shake the earth. Taking in the sight of his target, he recognized the white outfit. They were the doctor from before.
"S-shit." They began to back away slowly, but the wolf wasn't letting them make a break for it. In one swift pounce, Link pinned them to the ground, sending the items they had been carrying flying. The container shattered and the ooze splashed Link's arm. From Link came a high pitched whine as it soaked into his fur, burning his skin.
The doctor began screaming as they too had come into contact with the foul substance. "Guards! Guards!"
A fresh scent then overwhelmed his nose, it was indescribable, but the image it painted in his mind was a large statue of Hylia. Particularly the moss covered one at the Spring of Courage. Link realized that it came from the waterskin strapped to their belt, it had that strange sigil on it as well. He began to yank and tear it free, all the while the doctor squealed pathetically.
With the sound of the guards rushing over, Link glanced back towards the boy. He knew that he didn't have time to break that collar nor had he come up with a plan of escape. His ears dropped slightly. I'm sorry, but I will come back for you. For everyone.
With the bloated leather between his teeth, Link took off. He had easily avoided these guards, but an alarm bell was ringing not too long after. The whole encampment was teeming with commotion within seconds. While there was less guards tonight, Link did not feel confident that he could handle them as he was. However the bigger concern was how to breakout.
Bobbing and weaving between tents kept him clear of any other guards briefly, but not forever. Link felt a blade slash his flank when he darted through a small open area. They were starting to close in. "It's over here! The bastard may be scrawny, but its quick!"
Link growled in pain and tried to focus on the wall. There was a walkway that ran along the whole thing, but all the ways up to it had ladders. He had a strong feeling that he would need to take it slow and careful, to climb with paws. That wasn't going to be an option. The next best hope was a lookout tower, it may have stairs inside.
Spinning around, Link would have to back track to the nearest one. Unfortunately he ran straight into a knight wielding a halberd. This man Link recognized, the burn scar that led from the edge of his eye to his nose was an easy tell. Leader of platoon twelve, a seasoned warrior and one Link has lost to a few times. With Link's current injuries and limited fighting options, engaging combat with him now could go horribly wrong.
As the blade came swinging towards him, the wolf dodged in the nick of time. The attacks to come he was better prepared for. The leader of platoon twelve seemed to be impressed. "Not bad for a scrawny beast. If you weren't rabid, I might have been tempted to make you my pet."
By this point, Link was getting right pissed. Why does everyone keep calling me scrawny!? He blindly charged forward, narrowly leaping out of the way of the halberd, it would have taken his legs clean off had he been half a second slower. Once his paws reunited with the ground, Link lunged and shoulder-checked the knight's ankle as he rushes by. With his support compromised the man was pulled the direction of his extended blade, unable to keep his balance he fell.
Link could hear him shouting curses across camp. With the lookout within sight, it would seem that the gate guards had come to see him off. Shields at the ready to likely attempt to corner him and it might have worked. If someone hadn't left the windows of the second floor open. With a wood pile just shy of the tower, there was a chance he could make it. Even though his legs were already burning, the wolf bolted up the wood pile and made his jump at the highest point.
With both front paws and his left elbow making it past the windowsill, his body slammed harshly into the wall, knocking the wind out of him. Link drops the waterskin inside as he struggles with the additional pain and to get some sort of grip on the wall. There's some sort of shouting going on down below, but the lack of air has his ears ringing and can't make any of it out.
A sharp whimper finally forces an intake of air as Link is struck with an arrow. It dug in deep on his lower back and as a second one joins it; his balance is lost.
No, no, no!
Legs scrambling even faster for a foothold as he begins to slip from the windowsill.
Don't fall! Don't fall, damn it!
Desperate, Link bites down onto the nearest bit of wood. His heart just about leaps out of his throat as he realizes he grabbed a broom handle when his paws gave way.
The pole catches on the frame and prevents Link from falling. If adrenaline wasn't pumping through his veins before, it was now. Not wasting a second as he feels the wood creaking under his fangs, using the resistance, he shuffles up the wall and throws his weight through the window just as the wood begins to snap.
Panting, shaking, the wolf picks up the waterskin and begins racing up the stairwell. Upon reaching the top, there are two archers, but they scatter when he gives them a growl. He expected no close confrontation, but the moment he was out on the walkway, he could hear the whistling of arrows passing by.
He had hoped for a little time before he became completely surrounded, wanting to find a safe point to jump. But his luck had officially run out, cut off by guards climbing the ladders and a group that eventually came up the stairs. Link looks down at the camp, there was plenty to ease his landing, however the chances of getting out would drop very low.
Reluctantly he turned to the wall, he couldn't see what was on the other side, but he could jump from here. It was extremely risky, possibly life threatening. Well, either this or certain death by the blade. Just as the knights closed in the gap and swung their blades, Link leapt over the remaining barrier.
There was nothing but grass on the other side. Preparing his legs to catch his fall properly helped prevented any bones from shattering, yet it was not enough to keep him from harm. Still hitting the ground quite hard, the momentum had him bounce and thrown quite a few feet. Tumbling broke the arrow shafts and battered his already sore muscles.
Gasping, Link forced his body to get up and keep moving. Another arrow landed between his shoulder and neck as he trotted off west, towards the woods. He still had to return before sunrise and with the waterskin still between his teeth, he hoped that he would make it.
~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~
Link spent almost the whole trip back walking, he would jog when he could. But with the adrenaline worn off, his body was happy to tell him about all the pain that had built up. Sadly, Link thought about how he had taken Mipha's gift for granted, throwing himself in dangerous situations all the while knowing that she could heal or cure any wound.
Currently as he struggled up the path to R's home, it would only be a little while longer until he could search for a fairy. But as the house came into view, the sound of wailing reached his ears. Fearing that the Hylian or R might be in trouble, Link tried to pick up the pace. Though his body fought, he managed to get into a decent trot.
With the front door ajar, the wolf's concern grew, but what he found in the entrance way shocked him. Carefully wrapped in a bundle, was a crying baby on the floor. He approached the babe slowly, they had tan skin, red fuzz for hair, with emerald eyes and tears shining in the light. A Gerudo infant.
This must be their child, but why are they alone? He glanced around the house, only here and the kitchen had lanterns lit. Yet there were no other sounds to be heard. When he sniffed the air, he regretted it, that nauseated scent was still quite strong and he couldn't smell anything else.
The crying was replaced with hiccups and whining. Looking back down at the baby as they had their hands stretched out to him. With his ears drawn back, Link didn't know what they wanted, he's never had anything to do with a baby before. Kids were easy, they happily told you want they wanted, screamed it at times. But as he stood there just staring, the baby resumed crying.
Don't cry! I won't eat you! Panicking, he used the top of his snout to lightly pat their side. Babies like to be patted, right? He's seen parents do it all the time as they are walking around, when the baby is resting against the parent's shoulder. They have their back patted when they get upset, right? Darn it all, Link didn't know how to handle a baby. But he couldn't just leave them alone, what if an actual animal came by and took them for food?
Yet the baby slowed to whines and hiccups once more, grabbing at his face with small fat hands. Their tiny nails scratched his nose, little fingers pinching his fur and whiskers. Link reflexively twitched from all this, but didn't pull away, as it was helping to quell the baby's crying. It was strange watching them, their dexterity was almost nonexistent as they moved their arms around. The light yet strong touches. It was transfixing, bringing his high-alert down enough to relax his strained muscles.
It did not seem as though they were afraid of him, perhaps they liked dogs. Or maybe he was close enough to a dog that he gave off that comforting presence when someone was upset. Their hands eventually got a good grip on the water skin, trying to pull it towards their open mouth. Oh, guess not. You're just hungry.
"Voe." A familiar voice hissed, catching him off guard so bad he jumped and made the babe cry again. Link growled lowly to show his displeasure as he looked up at M. The Gerudo snapped her fingers and pointed to the bathroom from whence she came. "Get away from my child and get your furry ass in here. Now. Before I skin the hide right off you while you still breathe!"
Glancing her over, she looked like she hadn't slept at all last night and a little pale, even in the dawn light. Dawn light. Link jolted with panic as he turned towards the door. The sky was bright oranges and pinks. He must not have noticed the light beginning to break the horizon with being in the mountains.
But... this meant he was forever stuck as a wolf.
"Move it!" M shrieked, though appeared to have regretted it slightly as it caused her child to cry louder. But it got the wolf limping off to the bathroom.
When he entered, he spotted R propped up against the wall, stripped to shorts and a tank. A blanket tangled at her feet, spotted with blood both old and new. Fresh blood dripping from her ears and nose, skin so pale her arteries and veins were visible. R's breathing was laboured and her hair clung to her face down to her neck. The purple stain left behind from the ooze now covered up to her elbows. R looked like she was dying.
At her side was the Hylian, laying upon fouled blankets and towels, blackened from her tainted blood. But she was covered in bandages from R's clear care, even if they were stained now too. The floor was also covered with beakers, flasks with residue and ingredients. Along with many other medical materials.
"S-sir Link?" Her voice was raspy, like she had be coughing for hours or thrown up, possibly both. Managing with great effort, R looked his way. "You made it, a little late, but you made it."
Link hobbled over, careful of the items littering the room. With drooped ears, he bowed his head. He was sorry for leaving, R must have been frightened to deal with this alone. He didn't think how bad it could affect her. The wolf could only hope to help to the best of his capabilities, now that he was stuck like this.
Oh goddess, what was he going to do about Sidon? Or Zelda? While he could still fight and protect for the sake of Hyrule. What good could he do for his friends like this? Become Sidon's guard dog or hunting dog?
A gentle touch to his cheek brought his attention back to the Sheikah. Though pained, she smiled softly and ruffled his fur. "It's okay, there's no need to whimper. You made it in time."
With a sharp twisting of his gut, Link pulled back from the touch, hugging his stomach. R gave a huge sigh of relief at first, then a gasp of surprise.
"Y-your injuries, how-what happened? I thought you were going to sneak not fight." His pants were tattered and torn in many places. The slash across his thigh was deep, swelling and badly needed stitches. An arrowhead, she hadn't noticed with his thick mane, was sticking out next to his collarbone. Hands and feet rubbed raw, blistering and beading with blood. His skin had more infected points from the ooze as well, one whole arm was blotched.
The young man was shocked, she had been able to change him back, but how? She said before sunrise, it was after sunrise now. Link took the waterskin from his sore jaw with shaky hands and overlooked the damage he had sustained. By far the worst he's had in a very long time. He was kind of surprised that he hadn't passed out on the way here.
"If you had shown up any later, she would have died. I hope you understand the graveness of your actions." M said furiously from the doorway, choking up on tears and trembling with clenched fists. "How could you fuck around at the front of the house like that!? How long were you there!? Why didn't you rush to her when you know that every second your wasting, is a second you take from her life!"
[What? But-]
"I don't want to fucking hear your excuses! Not only did you risk her life, you've risked my family's!"
"Dearest, please, he truly didn't know. I told him he would be trapped as a wolf if he didn't return before sunrise. Not that-"
"I don't even know if I can touch my son without passing on that plague you brought into my home! If you didn't come back with the knowledge of a cure," M screamed at the top of her lungs, ignoring her wife and drew a dagger. "I WILL KILL YOU!"
Link believed her and right now, it would be an easy feat. Looking to the waterskin, he trusted that Hylia had guided him to what he sought. His hands stung horribly as he struggled to get the cork out. As steady as he could manage, Link poured the contents over R's arm. She gave a shout of pain and flinched away, but they both noticed as the clear liquid ran over the infected area, it faded away instantly. R sobbed with relief and Link continued to pour as she lathered her arms with it, till every mark was gone.
"Thank Hylia, I-I was so scared that I would end up like her." She whimpered as M rushed over to embrace her wife. They hugged each other tightly and wiped each others tears away. "Please forgive me, my dear. I just- I just wanted to do all I could to help. I didn't know it was going to be this bad, I-I swear."
It took a few long moments for M to reply, but she did so after giving R a quick kiss. "Next time, wait until I'm home so I can keep your soul from going out."
"It's a promise."
~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~
With the cries of their son now tended too, they were all able to get a bit of peace while R nursed. He had a rough night of his own. After M set down the infant and rushed to her collapsed wife on the kitchen floor, both parents feared spreading the unknown disease to him. Having no choice but to stay clear and wait until Link's return. M hadn't known, it wasn't her fault, but his abandoned cries got to them both.
Looking up, she noticed that Link was inspecting the empty waterskin. "Don't tell me, that after all you went through... that's all you could get?"
He gave a tired nod, letting it fall from his hands.
"Just what was that stuff? It looked like water." M questioned, starting the translation and sharing of information. If Link was going to become a regular in her home, R better start learning hands. Because this made any conversation with the man twice as long as it needed to be.
[It was water. Water blessed by the Goddess Hylia.]
"You mean like holy water?" R was skeptical, it bordered on laughable. "It doesn't have any special properties other than its the cleanest water."
[It does when used against demons.]
The Gerudo's eyes widened as she picked up what he was implying. "You don't mean..."
There was much he had learned from the time Link spent inside the quarantine camp. At first he just didn't realize it and with the long journey back, he was able to put some of it together. He didn't have all the answers, but some things were clear. The first being what the stinging purple blemishes on the skin actually were.
[This.] Link gestured to his infected skin. [Is what the true infliction of Ganon's Blight looks like.]
M's expression dropped, she had been so certain it had been all made up. That it was just a cover up for the zealots killing off those who were different. "So I was wrong, I was just paranoid? Ganon's Blight is real and they're treating it?" If the holy water was anything to go off of.
[They're definitely not treating it. But I don't know if they're creating it or culturing it.] The weight of this discovery had the couple struggling to find words. So Link continued. [I don't know for sure or how yet, but they need people like us to do it. If they could use anyone, they would have picked off travellers or even use criminals kept in the dungeons. And I haven't found any evidence to prove otherwise in my investigation of the council members.]
"But what about that parasite, is that the final stage?" R shivered from the memory of that terrifying eye and the words it spoke. It would haunt her nightmares as long as she lived.
[No, that thing is neither living nor dead. It is called Malice. It slowly kills everything it comes into contact with and can possess monster bones to make mindless killers. Growing off a living thing and talking aside. The strangest thing about it is, it's suppose to be wiped out. It cannot continue to exist without Calamity Ganon's energy.]
It was unlikely that it had broken free of the seal so soon. And only Zelda had the power to keep it contained so if it had managed to slip out, it wasn't possible that it was being hidden. Regardless of the 'what if ' scenarios, Link did not believe that Calamity Ganon was still in their world.
[On an end note, they've got some sort of strange cult going on. One that claims Hylia is the cause of their suffering.] Done with his report on his findings, Link still had one more task to take care of before he could rest. The young man then grabbed the arrowhead protruding near his shoulder. With a few tugs, he was able to pull it the rest of the way through.
"Hold on! Let me help with your wounds, don't do anything hasty now." The healer spoke up, not wanting Link to end up unconscious like the woman next to her. "You also look like your about to die."
This time, he ripped the last two from his lower back, letting them clatter to the floor. With fresh bleeding wounds, Link had to act quickly. The Sheikah slate was pulled from its holster and as he smeared blood over the screen, he chose his destination.
"Sir Link!"
Lifting off the ground, body glowing bright blue, Link fell apart into dozens of ribbons and fazed through the roof.
~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~
Upon his return, the married couple was beyond shocked. All his wounds were gone without a trace and his complexion was returned to normal. [I'll explain later.]
"I don't understand, you were on the verge of death only a couple of minutes ago! Chosen by the Goddess or not, any sort of potion should have killed you. There's no way you've made a full recovery in such a short time!" R pressured, while she was cured of the blight as well. She still had so little strength left, barely able to move. She couldn't even stand. Yet Link had lost blood, had large contusions, possibly even fractures, hadn't had a moments rest and here he was wondering about like nothing happened.
Believe me, I haven't. Link's body had been fully healed thanks to the fairies that happened to be around the Spring of Courage, but his energy hadn't been restored. Yet he was determined to cleanse the escapee, he just hoped that he wasn't too late. Lifting her off the ground was difficult, but he managed not to bump her into anything.
As Link was setting the woman into the empty tub, R piped up again. "What are you doing? She's got far too many wounds to be soaking in a tub, they could get infected or open up."
She'll have too if she wants to live. Picking up the water pail, Link used the slate to return to the spring. Returning a moment later with it filled with water.
It was the beginning of a long morning filled with screaming and crying. The blight had set in deep, taking many rounds of blessed water to change the colouring from dark puce to violet. Then finally, back to her original skin colour. After carefully drying her, redressing her wounds and putting on a light set of clothing. Everyone went down for a well needed and deserved nap.
A late lunch was prepared and served by M, she even carried the Hylian woman to the table. With the mess from the whole event cleaned up, M's sense of smell was no longer hindered by the fowl scent of Ganon's Blight. Even with the smell of blood, she could still make out the gentle sweetness of the Hylian woman. She's like Link then.
Sitting her in the chair next to Link, M noticed that he was already half way done his soup. And by the smell of it, wolfed the entire loaf of bread too. Little glutton.
[By the way.] Link began.
"What." She replied dryly and sat in her seat next to her wife. Not really wanting to spend the whole meal translating or even talking, M just wanted to eat her meal in peace.
[Can you smell the difference between types? I recall you finding me before by scent, are there differences or is it a generic trigger?] It would be very helpful knowledge to have for the future. Especially if someone needed answers, he had to be able to provide the basics at least.
"Well everyone's sense of smell is different, but usually many agree that my kin have a savoury scent and your kin have a sweet odour."
Odour? Do you have a problem with sweets or just me? The young man bitterly thought, but if it was a jab at him, he let it go. Wasn't worth the argument. [Thanks.]
"Would you like some bread, dear?" R asked while the platter was held out with an untouched loaf. M blinked a bit in surprise as she took the offer, glancing back to Link. He hadn't eaten any?
~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~
"How goes this year's ecological survey?" Zelda asked as she enters the researchers study hall. As usual, she timed her arrival perfectly to line up with the end of their meeting. It was that time of the year again when all regional heads of the field teams would come together and discuss changes or improvements that occurred within the land. Where populations were rising or falling. The overall recovery from the hundred years of struggling under Calamity Ganon.
"Actually... we were about to put in a request to speak in front of the council." One researcher spoke up somewhat awkwardly.
This was not at all expected, Zelda was left bewildered. "What? Has something happened?"
"Well, something strange, yes. One of the archaeologist groups informed us of a disturbing vandalism in the Eldin region. The massive fossil located behind Death Mountain, it's been completely covered in um... blood."
"We believe a large group of monsters have done this as a way of establishing territory and as a warning." Another researcher added.
"Reports of a sudden drop in the overall endemic population in my region match up with the time of this incident." The Woodland's head researcher pulls forth their report and handed them to the High Councillor.
"Were any bodies found near the site?"
"No, High Councillor, just blood."
After skimming over the notes and charts, Zelda returned them to the researcher. "Are you able to bring forth all the details and the archaeologists involved by this evening?"
"I do believe that is possible." They scanned the gathering for any disagreements before turning back to the young woman. "We appreciate that you acknowledge this as something of great concern, but rushing before the day ends seems extreme."
"It isn't when two villages become ghost-towns in the Woodland region within the same month. I believe a massive investigation needs to be put into this as soon as possible." Whatever group of monsters was setting up home, they were intensely hostile, yet careful in covering their tracks. Zelda just hoped that it wasn't a pride of Lynels.
~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~
Link kneels before the Master Sword with his eyes closed, fingers laced together and his head bowed. Dressed in a faded green tunic, with a lighter shade of traditional Hylian designs encompassing the cuffs of the short sleeves. It was a simple, common garment, yet something about it was reminiscent. Something that made this ceremony all the more significant.
It is not so much a prayer as it is an oath. The chosen hero's vows to the merciful Goddess Hylia. He had never renounced his duty nor diverted from the path he was given. Link knew that she; the Goddess, knew that as well. This was more of seeking forgiveness, for the wrong he had done and for the wrong he will do.
For once he takes up her sword again, he will be turning it against the Kingdom of Hyrule as it stands. Link may slay those he had once raised to be knights, to be protectors in Hylia's name. Link may slay those that he had sworn allegiance to, to people he had sworn to keep from harm.
But I do so to protect the future of Hyrule, to bring true peace to her people.
Lifting his head, Link reaches for the blade laying at the foot of the monument of Hylia. Grasping the dark blue scabbard, he then hears a flood of muddled whispers and then like a breeze rolling by, they fade away. He smiles, like welcoming back an old friend and then stands as he fastens the blade to his hip.
As he grabs hold of the grip, the familiar pain of his spirit being torn from his body begins. Link hisses, but does not let go and draws the blade anyway. The Master Sword glows brightly, even in the light of the moon, he can see as it pulls the strength right out of his arm in wisps of light. Link adds his other hand and stares hard at the blade, accepting the challenge just like the last.
Our sacred duty is not over. A new enemy feeds what remains of Calamity Ganon. Hyrule needs your power and my strength. Will you join me into battle once again, my fated comrade?
And just like the last, when he feels like he is on the brink of death, it ends. The rush of energy that comes back takes his breath away. An odd prickling festers in his hands as Link kisses the blade to his forehead and then in gratitude, lifts the blade to the heavens.
~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~
"What do you think about a marriage to Princess Yanun?" Earning a look of surprise from his son, it was quite the sudden turn of discussion now that the meeting was over and they were alone. "She is a driven leader and has a strong spirit."
"This is a rather quick change of topic, father." Sidon can't help but falter at the notion of marriage. While Yanun was small, elegant, cute; one might say, especially when she got nervous or embarrassed. Sidon had thought this as well originally, but more in the way a child was cute.
Sidon remembers leading her on a small tour around Hyrule, places that were joined to the main river. Seeing Hyrule Castle from far below. The fields and meadows the stretched for miles. Even the end of the journey past Regencia River; almost to the River of the Dead, that was her first experience of snow and ice. A quick taste of the winter that is to come. Yanun had been so innocent to the world around her, full of new things, her curiosity had been one of her many charming features.
But had was the keyword. Ever since that day that she twisted Sado's body against himself, Sidon hadn't viewed her the same. It had been a reminder that appearances can be deceiving. Yanun was no innocent, sheltered princess. She had been to war, fought and suffered, and in the end was driven from her homeland. She was a warrior, one that had only recently come off the battle field.
Regardless, marriage was not an easy topic to just drop into. One Sidon was not particularly fond of and had been avoiding since he turned a hundred and seventy-five. But then the thought of Link crossed his mind, the letters they shared, the promise they made and their time together. Taking a husband, maybe? Sidon's cheeks burned at the image of Link with his mark on their neck.
The king chuckles with a small grin. "She does admire you so, my son. Speaking quite highly of you and often, from what I hear."
He waves the notion away, knowing that his father had misunderstood his thoughts. "I fear the war may have hardened her heart. Princess Yanun lacks the compassion royalty should have."
"I find that couples work better together when one has what the other lacks. And a hardened heart isn't always permanent, kindness is a powerful thing."
Sidon agrees to this belief and understands the point he is trying to make. "You make a valid argument, father and in a purely political view, Princess Yanun would be a perfect suitor."
"But?"
"I would not love her."
"Sidon." Dorephan's voice was kind, yet his scowl said he was serious. "I have been patient and understanding of your lack of interest in taking a suitor for many years now."
"And the common age for marriage is two hundred. I still have twenty years before the people begin to make a fuss, though it is likely that they won't." It was hard for the prince to keep the irritation and bitterness out of his tone. "So why press the subject?"
The Zora king gave a heavy sigh and leaned back in his throne. "My dear son, this won't be something you can get yourself out of."
"You're forcing my hand now?" He spat. "Just because I brought a Princess home, does not mean I must rush into marriage! Or are you in that much of a hurry to resign?"
"Do not think so lowly of your father. I would do no such thing if time was not of the essence."
Sidon paled at the thought of what Dorephan met by those words. "Father, are you-?"
"Don't think for a second that I would let myself die before you give me a grandchild." He gave a hearty laugh, though his son didn't find it very funny. "I have been meaning to speak to you of this for some time, but when has never been clear. This is about you, son. As much as I wish to humble you in your request, this is something I need you to consider before your two hundredth name's day."
Sidon remembered his father saying something similar about a month ago. "Hold a moment, back on my hundredth and eighty, this is the matter you have been waiting for the right time to speak about?"
"Yes and you are running out of time. You cannot fool me more than you can fool yourself. You'll be too big to father any children in twenty years."
"There are other methods."
"None that you will be content with, I assure you. You will miss your chance to know what it is like to hold your wife's hand, to nurture an egg together, to hug and play with your children like any other family." Dorephan spoke solemnly as he glanced to his hand, rubbing his fingers together, remembering what it had been like.
The adventures Dorephan had with the love of his life before his coronation, the nervous wreck of a proposal he made, their wedding day and leading all the way up to their first egg. The memories were all clear as the stars on a calm, moonless night.
He could still feel Mipha's tiny hand wrapped around his finger as they wandered the kingdom, still trying to get the hang of walking and happily babbling nonsense to him without end. Of Sidon learning to run before he could walk, being unable to stop and the heart attacks that came with it. He and his wife linking arms as they floated in their pool, children sleeping between them as they spoke of what trouble they got up to that day. Trying not to wake Mipha or Sidon with their giggling and teasing.
Those memories were his greatest treasure and ones that any king needed. It was one of few keys that kept a king from being driven insane from isolation. One Dorephan feared his son was going to miss. "Sidon, you've already began to dwarf everyone around you. At the rate you are growing-"
Those words stung and struck deep in Sidon, his anger rose to defend himself. "That is not my fault! I do not decide when I get the body of a king!"
"Of course not! Do not raise your voice at me, I'm not trying to attack you!" Dorephan shouted back. "It is Hylia who decides these things. We both know this, and I have already been through this, I know what it's like. I am trying to help you, Sidon!"
"Hylia," Sidon scoffed. "must hate me."
"She does not hate you."
"Then why did she decide that I must have the body of a king before you had yours?" All other kings before him followed the same path. First sign, a unique head fin. Two hundred, marriage and children. Second sign, body of a king. Why was it Sidon that had to be different?
"Perhaps she is rushing you for a reason. Either for you to finally move on and start a family of your own or that you will be needing that strength sooner than most."
"What of my soul. What purpose would she have for that?" To say the pattern of the prince's soul was a secret would be an overstatement. There is not a single native Zora in the domain over the age of a hundred that does not know what Sidon's soul looks like. Not that the soul of anyone is shared knowledge. However, with the events of his awakening as a child, it made it impossible to keep it under wraps, despite his parents and Seggin's best efforts.
There was no undoing what happened that day. The fear in everyone's faces, especially the fear in his dear, brave sister's eyes. Sidon believed for most of his childhood that he was the one to blame for all that died during those two days. Including the queen, his own mother. He knew better now, that the queen had given it her all for Sidon's sake, for her child. But it didn't ease the remorse he still carried.
The greatest blessing he able to get out of it all, was everyone seems to have been frightened into silence since. It has made Sidon's efforts to never let that happen again much easier.
"That is just superstition, one's soul does not dictate what they are to become."
"Then what of names?" By now, Sidon was seething with long bottled up rage and when his father didn't answer right away, it only made matters worse.
Much of their ancestors' ancient tongue did not survive to the present day. A few phrases or vows, but it was mainly names that remained. Traditionally, Zora name their children for what they will bring to the world. Whether it's to bring strength, honour, kindness, patience, and other such things. But there are some old names that are hardly touched as the outcome would be unreasonable to place upon any child's shoulders.
However, there had been a very select few that received these names with a promise, a foretelling of roles that were destined. Names given by the late Zora Queen, Shiel. These children were Mipha, Rivan, Gaddison, Bazz and lastly, Sidon.
"If it has come to this, get out." Dorephan finally spoke, too wounded by his son's words to be angry. "I will not speak further on this matter in such dishonour to your mother."
The prince wastes no time storming from the throne room, slamming the door as he left. The Zora king was now completely alone with the knowledge of his son's suffering and the regret of not having the answers Sidon needed. They had died with her a long time ago. Many years before even princess Zelda was born.
"Shiel is never wrong." Dorephan mumbles to himself in repressed grief. It was a common saying among those that knew of her power. "But, is it wrong of me to doubt you, my dear, even when I know it's the truth?"
~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~
With a wild spirit, a tender heart, and scales of emerald, Shiel was a fair and lovely queen. Yet she was taken from them all far too soon. For she had a rare respiratory condition from birth, one that slowly deteriorated throughout her life and would ultimately be the end of it. This was something Dorephan had to accept when he asked for her hand.
But it did not hold her back from living life to the fullest and upon her union with her husband, Shiel's strong soul gave her a wonderful gift. Both; which she believed, was a reward for her efforts so far and to give her peace.
The Zora queen had suddenly began to cry when her gift came into affect for the first time. Her gift, her magic was the ability to peek into the future. Sometimes it was very detailed and others it was simple.
It was a gift that many of her people came to adore.
She would purposely choose how much to share of what she saw. Helping those when they became lost in life or struggled between choices, but never spoiling any of the really good bits. One of them being not to tell expecting parents what they were having. Not even her dearest Dorephan was given such precious information.
Over time, as her control over it grew and the further she could see, the less she shared, till Shiel had no more to tell. It had ended with Sidon, his future was the last she looked into. A morning her husband would not forget nor understand.
At the time all he knew was as she took a look at their next child's future, when she accidentally spoke their name from surprise of what she saw. A wrong she grieved over, crying as she held the egg close. From that day until the day her son hatched, Shiel refused to speak.
When Sidon finally came into the world, she told Dorephan many things he would have to be prepared to do as both a king and a father.
While Shiel could never see her own future, she saw when she stopped appearing in her family's.
Shiel was never wrong.
~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~
Sidon wakes with a jolt, panting and climbing out of his personal pool. Another nightmare...
The Zora prince hadn't had much luck with unpleasant dreams as of late. Ranging from the ground crumbling beneath his feet as the earth swallowed him up, to hurting his people from the lightest touch, to uncontrollably tearing Link to pieces or drowning him.
With a heavy sigh, Sidon looks up at his reflection in the mirror on the wall. It probably didn't help with the talk that he and Dorephan had the day prior. Sidon was already hyper aware of his size and his father ended up rubbing salt in a wound, even though it was with good intent.
It wasn't as though he didn't want a family of his own. Even if his people admired him, they also feared him. Some because of his strength, others because of his name and some because of his actions. Everyday he strove to prove that he could be gentle, that he wasn't just a name and that he righted his wrongs.
Perhaps my Father is right, it's only a matter of time and Princess Yanun is likely the only Zora that would happily give me a family.
Sidon became very tense with the realization of that thought. Children, that meant eggs. His heart began racing in panic and worry. Link was a High Primal after all and they had sex during his visit. What if Link was already pregnant with his child?