As we traveled the last stretch to the Bank of Wishes, Bazz stopped singing his song. I was a bit disappointed, having grown used to the catchy melody and often found myself humming along. But he was no less chipper. In fact, Bazz's optimism was turned up to a thousand seemingly out of nowhere. And to display his eagerness, he turned the conversation onto me.

"Hylian, I am still in shock at your prowess back there! You jumped into combat like it was nothing!"

I blushed a little at his praise.

"And not to mention, your willingness to help the Zora. Tell me, do you know any of my brethren personally?" He asked, gripping onto his spear in excitement.

I shook my head in response. "Actually, this is my first time going to Zora's Domain. Until I met Prince Sidon and the others, I hadn't even seen a Zora."

I half-expected his face to be scrunched up in confusion – or worse, suspicion. When I turned to face him, Bazz was absolutely starstruck – eyes glimmering with admiration.

"Uwa~!" He exclaimed. "So, you mean to tell me that you accepted our request for aid despite being a total stranger?"

Instantly, I was on edge. It was an innocent question, but my defenses kicked in. There was no reason Bazz could suspect my true identity with what little information I gave him – unless he was acutely perceptive.

"Well…" I was trying to keep my knowledge of the Divine Beast under wraps for now, struggling to come up with the vaguest response that won't trigger his scrutiny. "I…heard of the constant rain and wanted to check on the river."

"But you wouldn't have made it this far if you just wanted to 'check on the river'," Bazz pointed out. He caught my lie, but he didn't seem at all offended. Instead, he smiled warmly. "You can do that safely from the Wetland Stable and yet, you are here! You saved me. And you are going to save my home."

Rainwater chilled my bones, but I flushed. It was out of embarrassment; he had found the flaw in my logic. Strangely, I didn't feel the panic at having my lie picked apart. Despite the content of his questions, they didn't feel invasive at all. If not for my fear of being stabbed in the back, I probably would have told him everything. Something about Bazz made it easy to talk…

"I just…I can't bear the thought of not being able to help," I finally admitted, playing with the hemmed end of my saturated cloak.

Bazz smiled tenderly. Oddly, I associated the expression to one of nostalgia.

"You always have been a selfless one."

My face scrunched in confusion. "Wait, wh—"

"We're almost there!" Bazz quickly announced, marching down an unmarked path that was covered by overhanging cliffs.

I rubbed at my ears. Maybe the rain drowned out my hearing and I heard him wrong…

Bazz had to duck due to the low clearance of the cavern. He tucked his spear by his side horizontally. Up ahead, I heard the river.

My boots sloshed along the puddles on the ground, scaring a frog as it hopped from one rock to the other.

"You must be considerably athletic to make the trek through the highlands and fight a camp of Lizalfos," Bazz commented after a few seconds of silence.

For the first time since my journey, I actually took a moment to think about my physical capabilities. Obviously, my swordsmanship was the main thing everyone had complimented me on thus far. My reflexes were sharp. I knew how to work a broadsword fresh out of the Shrine of Resurrection. The Lynel fight a few days later had cemented my knowledge in all sorts of weaponry, including archery.

Endurance seemed to be my strong suit. In battle, I was comfortable with adrenaline and oftentimes, used it to push myself beyond my limits. My battle with the Blademaster in Kakariko proved how long I could fight if I had the motivation for it. But there were also instances where my endurance didn't need adrenaline to sustain it. Just from the past few days, I climbed the cliffs of the Lanayru Promenade, swam through flooded rivers, and ran around with barely a soreness in my arms and legs. Not once during this entire trek did I feel the need to just sit down and take a breath.

Then, there's also the discipline I need when holding onto the Paraglider and enduring bullet-time.

Maybe I was more athletic than the common Hylian…

"You're not wrong," I said after a while. "I can fight, I can shoot arrows midair. I've climbed cliffs as high as Lanayru Heights. And I'm a pretty decent swimmer."

Bazz laughed. "Well, you definitely need to be a strong swimmer with what you signed up for."

"You have nothing to worry about," I said, waving my hand nonchalantly. "I've got a mean freestyle."

"Really?" asked Bazz, one amused eyebrow lifted.

I shrugged casually. "I always thought that the key to a good stroke is to keep your eyes down to the water's floor."

Bazz was silent for a second.

I mentally facepalmed at my haughtiness. Who was I to preach swimming techniques to a literal fish-being?

"Or not," I quickly doubled back. "I mean, I'm just a mammal with these awkward limbs. You're the water expert. If you got any tips, please tell m—"

"No, no," Bazz responded. He chuckled at my reaction before sighing wistfully. "It is just that…my friend – Rivan – and I were taught the same thing."

I sighed out in relief.

Bolstered by his positive response, I continued in the same style. My endurance was my ace and speed was a close second. I puffed out my chest in mock-arrogance, examining my nails with fake interest. "Well, the Zora may have me beat in the water, but on land, I'm a great runner. I'll bet that I can beat you in a race or a game of tag."

Bazz snorted, rolling his eyes in exasperation. "I am not the young guppy I once was. I will accept your challenge once we save the domain."

It appalled me with how easy it was to lower my guard and trust Bazz. I had been so wary ever since the incident in Kakariko, but Bazz – specifically him – made it easy. It might be his easygoing personality or the camaraderie that was established when we saved one another. Despite barely knowing each other – I had yet to tell him my real name – we acted so comfortably.

It was like two best friends, reuniting.

"A bit off topic, but what kind of foods do you like?" Bazz asked. "As someone who volunteered to assist us, I do not doubt that the king and the citizens may prepare a feast in gratitude. Be warned, Hylian! We specialize in seafood."

I mulled over it for a minute. So far, I didn't have a preference as to what I ate. Food was food when one is out in the wild. It mainly served as a source for energy with presentation and taste as an afterthought. Although, that didn't mean the act of cooking was completely soulless to me. Cooking actually served to be a very calming activity. Rather than decimating and killing, I could use my crafty sword skills to chop and dice and create.

I thought of the meat skewers from the Dueling Peaks Stable and the soup from Kakariko and the wildberry Kass had shared with me on Rabia Plain.

"I'll eat anything," I answered honestly. "But savory foods are my favorite. I can stomach sweets, but too many cause my tongue to tingle."

Bazz hummed, acknowledging my preference and odd reaction to too much sugar.

Before he could verbally respond and before I could fantasize about my craving for fresh fish wrapped in seaweed and rice, a loud commotion from the bank echoed through the cavern. There were the clashes and clangs of metallic weapons colliding. I heard the familiar, gurgled cries of Lizalfos – what seemed to be fleets of them.

And above all, there was the resolved and confident commands of Prince Sidon.

Bazz and I spared each other one look before sprinting to the end of the cavern. It opened to the Bank of Wishes, marked by another glowing lamppost.

When Bazz reported that there was a Lizalfo Blockade, I assumed he meant that there was a camp of Lizalfos – like the one underneath the Lanayru Tower – that obstructed the Zora River. Come to find out that there were literal Lizalfos – an army of them, lined tail to tongue – forming a wall that altered the course of the river.

Prince Sidon and his guard were working hard to breach through the line. Torfeau and Tottika used their spears to continuously assault a weak point in the barricade. However, when the Lizalfo evaporated into a mist of Malice, another one had taken its place.

The line stretched from bank to bank, and it was three Lizalfos in width. There were a lot, but the Lizalfos that made up the wall were defenseless. Since they used their tails and tongues to tether up against each other, they couldn't attack.

That didn't stop the Lizalfos that lay suspended over the water. Through the rain, I could count three Octorok platforms by their brightly colored balloons. Each had a Lizalfo on top with a bow. Luckily, none of them seemed to be using shock arrows – as it would injure their own in the water. But they rained volleys upon the Zora Prince and his men.

Ledo, Tona, and Tula were trying their best to harpoon the Octoroks with their own spears. If they could get the monsters of their vantage and into the water, it would be a gain on the Zora's behalf. However, the Lizalfos navigated against their aim, moving the platforms up and down with a signal of their horn.

Prince Sidon was commanding all of them and playing defense. When an arrow got too close to any of his soldiers, he swam before it and blocked the projectile with a wall of water. The vortex seemingly came out of nowhere, acting as a shield. The momentum of the arrow was suspended in the liquid and floated uselessly in the stream once the vortex was dispelled.

I was, at first, appalled to find out that he could bend water to his will, but then, I remembered that he was the Zora Prince. It made sense for the royal family to have mystical powers only at their disposal.

With a quick count, there were more Lizalfo per Zora. Prince Sidon and the others would be worn out by the time they managed to dent the blockade.

Right now, they were too spread out. Tottika and Torfeau are only ones assaulting the wall. They concentrated their attack on one area, which made the Lizalfos focus all their defenses there. With more people, they could do some sizable damage, but we need to take out those Lizalfos on the Octorok platforms. And instead of picking the monsters off one by one, we need one big attack to get rid of all of them.

I unholstered my bow and reached into my quiver. Sharp electricity coursed through my fingers, causing me to retract them in surprise. Anticipating it this time, I reached in once more. A single shock arrow was withdrawn from the other arrows. It crackled and glowed amidst the rain.

It must have been from the Lizalfos in Tabhal Woods. I guess I picked one up and, in my adrenaline-induced focus, I didn't realize it was part of my artillery until now.

I originally planned to help them by sniping out the Octorok platforms. This single shock arrow changed the game. I had a risky plan, but if it was successful, we would clear out the blockade and push forward to Zora's Domain.

I just needed them to trust me…

"Wait," I shouted, reaching to Bazz just as he was about to jump into the river to assist them. "I've got a plan."

"What are you thinking?" He asked, frantically glancing between his brethren and me.

I unclasped my hand, showing him the shock arrow.

His eyes widened in alarm. "You cannot be serious…"

I shook my head defiantly. "There's too many Lizalfos for each of you to take on one by one. We can take them all out with a single shock arrow if they're in the water. I can take out the Lizalfos on the platforms if you can find a way to break their ranks and gather them into one spot."

"That single shock arrow could decimate both Lizalfos and Zoras here. The rain would increase its shock radius. It's not safe for anyone in the water," Bazz argued.

"I can do this!" I countered. "I'm a sharp shot, remember? I can hit the center, minimize the spread of electricity. Once you have them gathered, immediately scatter. I promise I won't let any of you get hurt."

Bazz internally struggled. He bit down on his lip as he debated the risk.

I respected if he was against my idea. I was gambling his and his comrades' lives whilst I stayed safe on the bay. However, a small part of me was hoping – praying – for a chance where I could prove myself to Prince Sidon. I was capable. I could be relied on. If I could, I would put myself in danger if it meant avoiding the harm of a single person.

Suddenly, Bazz grinned – a smile full of determination and faith.

"You wouldn't, would you?" he responded cryptically.

Before I could ask what he meant, he dived into the river – a great splash wetting my already soaked boots – and swam to the others.

Torfeau and Tottika had just finished another assault on the blockade with minimal to no results. They reconvened with Prince Sidon. From his expression, I could sense that he knew all of them were running out of steam.

Bazz popped up from the depths of the water, right before the trio.

Tottika screamed in surprise before his eyes widened in elation. "Captain Bazz!" He exclaimed.

Prince Sidon showed visible confusion. "Why are you here? Why are you not guarding the domain?"

"I am afraid that the situation has gotten worse, your highness. But I will tell you after. The Hylian you enlisted has a plan," he said, pointing to my presence on the bay.

While he had made his presence known, I nocked a regular arrow and aimed it at the nearest Octorok platform. The monster popped upon contact with the projectile, dissipating into a purple mist. The Lizalfo shrieked on the unbalanced platform, preparing to dive into the waters below. However, as it began to free fall, Tona – who had been waiting underneath – impaled its body with her Zora Spear.

It landed in the water, close to death. Tona approached, retrieved her spear, and finished the job with a sickening squelch.

I assisted the others, firing arrows with dead accuracy at the Octoroks. Ledo and Tula were able to similarly finish off the remaining Lizalfos.

They all gathered before Bazz.

The Zora Captain gave me an encouraging nod. I returned it and nocked the shock arrow onto the bow string, making sure it was crystal clear what I was planning.

Protests erupted at the sight of the electric projectile.

"I knew she was crazy to help us, but I never imagined she was that crazy!" Tula exclaimed.

Tottika turned to Prince Sidon. "She knows that electricity is the fundamental weakness of Zora, right? We would be fried to a crisp if she decides to hit the water with it."

The prince shook his head in disagreement and held up a hand. "Calm. We should not judge until hearing her strategy. Bazz, what is she planning?"

"We need to gather the Lizalfos into one spot," he started. "I think that we should split evenly and attack the bearings, forcing them to let go of the banks."

"And how does the shock arrow fit into this?" Torfeau asked.

Bazz bit his lip, hesitating for a second before responding. "We circle the Lizalfos, corral them into the center of the river. And when she gives the signal, break formation and swim as far as you can."

"And if she manages to hit the center," Ledo piped up. "Do we know how wide the radius will be for the electrical discharge? How far do we need to swim away?"

"That is why I said to swim as far as you can," Bazz pointed out with a comical sense of simplicity.

Clamors arose from the group, refusing my plan outright. I prepared myself for the inevitable rejection, trying to come up with another way to be useful to all of them.

Prince Sidon cleared his throat, catching my attention.

"Enough!" He said, silencing the rest of the Zora. He turned to Bazz and graced the Zora Captain with a stern stare. "Bazz, do you trust her?"

It was a simple question; one I hadn't expected him to ask due to our tumultuous relationship with each other.

Bazz didn't hesitate. He flashed everyone a wide grin, similar to the one Prince Sidon fixed me before finding out who I was. "With my life."

Again, it was bold words for someone he had just met…

To my surprise, Prince Sidon simply nodded and addressed the rest of his guard. "As Captain of the Zora Guard, Bazz has chosen to trust the Hylian. In turn, I will trust her, too." He turned to Bazz. "I will follow your commands. Prepare everyone."

The others dispersed without complaint, diving themselves amongst two groups.

Before joining them, Prince Sidon faced me with undulating seriousness.

"The lives of my brethren and myself are in your hands," he reminded. Then, his face twisted – a steady smile quirking at his lip and his brow angled in determination. Although, there was rightfully some lingering hesitance. "I have faith in you."

He dove underneath the surface, rising from the stream a few meters out.

Bazz had divided everyone evenly and placed the prince in charge of the other party. They readied their spears – Prince Sidon with his own blade – and charged towards the parallel banks.

As they did, I ran towards the bridge at the end. I climbed over the bright, blue bearings and spawned a Cryonis block in the water. On the ice pillar, I had a great view of the assault on the blockade.

Bazz and Prince Sidon approached either side. The water rippled as they begun to spin like a drill. Their broad heads were the focal point, treating their body as a spear to plow through the Lizalfos.

Shrieks erupted from the monsters as they were torn from their tether on the bank. Before they could unwind their tongues and tails, the others circled the monsters – creating a swirling current no one could escape from.

It was here that the Zora's likeness to sharks were evident. Tottika and Tona corralled them near the surface. Their dorsal fins cleaved the surface of the water, enclosing the Lizalfos in tight circles. The speed of their strokes created a whirlpool that spanned the depth of the river. Ledo, Tula, and Torfeau strengthened the current by circling them below the surface.

I exhaled. Drawing back the bowstring, I aimed my sights at the sky. I wanted the shock arrow to land perpendicularly when it impacted the surface – rather than an angle if I shot it straight. That way, the spread of electricity would be equal and not oblong. It would minimize damage wherever damage was possible.

I held the string taut for a moment longer.

"Go, now!" I commanded.

I heard – rather than saw – the Zora break formation and scatter.

The arrow went soaring into the sky, marked by a yellow trail that crackled between dewdrops.

The Lizalfos had just recovered from the vertigo of the artificial whirlpool only to be struck with kilowatts of electricity. Screams and gurgles filled the air as lightning danced on the surface of the water. A light-yellow dome spread over the diameter of the whirlpool. Their bodies spasmed and convulsed before growing still. Purple dots spread over their lifeless forms before evaporating into the rain. Violet speckled the waters.

I jumped from the Cryonis block onto the bridge. It came apart with a crack as the ice returned to the Sheikah Slate.

"Is everyone okay?" I asked, shouldering my bow.

Prince Sidon surfaced from the water, unharmed except for a scar on his forehead. The scar looked old – already darkened and forming connective tissue.

One by one, the others swam to the shore I was on: Bazz, Torfeau, Tottika, Ledo, Tula, and Tona. They all looked okay – moving without injury and unaffected.

"We are okay, Hylian," Torfeau answered, beaming proudly at the attack we all pulled off.

Tottika shivered. "I felt a jolt, but it tickled more than hurt."

"Hylian, you never cease to amaze me with your ingenuity!" Bazz exclaimed, splashing the waters in his excitement. The drops rained on my already drenched cloak.

"It was completely reckless," Prince Sidon chastised.

The sudden turn in opinion caused everyone to silence.

He said it with neutrality and firmness, as if merely stating a fact about the weather. But his eyes were fiery, lips angled in a deep frown. There was a prominent crease on his brow and one of his cheeks were puffed in indignation. Despite the seriousness of the situation, I couldn't help but find his pout somewhat adorable.

I bowed my head in apology, but the Zora Prince continued. "This was perhaps the riskiest endeavor we have ever attempted. One wrong angle and the best of the Zora Guard would have been eliminated. Bear in mind that your antics to prove yourself put others in danger."

Whatever light-hearted attempt I made to alleviate the situation immediately evaporated. I exhaled shakily. The criticisms sharply pounded against my chest, sending my heart into spasms at the near danger I placed everyone.

I wouldn't be able to live with myself. The unfairness of coming away unscathed while everyone injured life and limb would eat away at my consciousness. This is why I preferred to do things alone…

Less people to worry about. The person I trust most is myself.

"But…"

But…?

His expression softened to one of pride. It wasn't quite a beaming smile, but it was a way of saying 'I knew you could do it'.

"If you had not done what you did, we would have been worse off. You thought outside of the box and the risk paid off. But most of all, I thank you for keeping the safety of my men in the forefront of your mind," he complimented.

My heart swelled at the praise he had given.

"I hope you never lose that creative thinking," he said, the corner of his lip lilting by the barest of inches.

We were allowed maybe five seconds to bask in the afterglow of our mutual respect. I felt the gap slowly close between us. The prince's walls were slowly thawing, crumbling down so that I may get to the truth of his initial resentment.

Bazz clamped a hand down on Prince Sidon's shoulder. "If I may, your highness, we need to get going. Your father is expecting you before dusk sets in."

Prince Sidon nodded to acknowledge the request. He suddenly pointed behind me. I followed his finger to the distance.

Between two crystalline cliffs, blurred by the onslaught of mist and rain, there was a bridge high up from the water's surface. It glowed the same bioluminescent blue that I've come to associate Zora architecture with. The overpass was larger than the Inogo Bridge and the recent one I had passed. It made me excited to see what Zora's Domain looked like if their stone masonry blended fine aesthetic and practicality so seamlessly.

"Our next meeting point is Luto's Crossing, just past this mountain," Prince Sidon informed. "I will once again caution you as the Zora do not know the state of the highland nor crossing. These landmarks were meant for Hylians, so other than the monsters, you should have no problem navigating the route."

The others already swam underneath the Oren Bridge. Before they disappeared behind the valley of the precipices, Bazz – who was leading the pod – called out with a wave of his spear.

"The view from the crossing is beautiful, but don't be impulsive and try to jump off the bearings!" He snickered.

Something in his tone told me that he was fully convinced I would do that. The alarming thing was that I considered it. However, Bazz – a person I had just met – shouldn't be that privy to the inner workings of my mind. His cryptic words and shrewd glances…He knows a lot more than he's led on and it's intimidating me.

"Luto's Crossing. We will be waiting for you down below," Prince Sidon called before disappearing beneath the tide.


The spear retracted – its sharp head trailing violet intestines with it – from the Lizalfos body. I suppressed the urge to shudder.

The prince was right to caution me. The trek up the mountain had been uneventful except for a couple of rockslides due to the rain. I easily avoided the boulders just by stepping off the footpath. However, the real trouble started when I reached the peak.

I saw the spikes before arriving in the clearing. They were evidence that a monster camp had taken root along the route. Being cautious, I squatted low and crouched my way to where the valley between the bluffs opened to a wider area. There were crates for supplies and spikes for defense. Some old boards were staked in the dirt to provide minimal coverage.

But it lacked monsters…The entire campsite was unguarded except for one, lone Lizalfo.

It had its back turned, tending to some spears that it polished and shine. I used one of its spears against it for a sneak attack. Once it disappeared, I took the spears for myself: mainly Lizalfo-made weaponry, but tragically, there was one Zora spear.

Before I could rummage through the crates for additional supplies, there was a monument that caught my attention. It was positioned well into the camp, etched into the cliff that led deeper into the route. Two, bioluminescent lamps framed the glyphs. The stone it was carved into had a purple, almost translucent shine and I was able to read the characters – making me believe it was either modern Hylian or some universal script.

History of the Zora, Part II
A Reservoir of Hope, as told by King Dorephan

Once every 10 years, the Lanayru region experiences unusually heavy rainfall. The Zora River flooded every time. The tides damaged not only our domain but our people, washing away poor souls and causing great suffering and disarray. The Zora King of that time, after seeking aide from the King of Hyrule, rode out to see what could be done. By joining the architectural genius of the Zora and Hyrule's technological prowess, East Reservoir Lake was swiftly built. Thanks to this fruitful partnership, Hyrule was no longer plagued by these devastating floods. In gratitude, the Zora King promised the King of Hyrule to manage the reservoir level to protect all of Hyrule from floods. Each Zora King since has kept that oath, spanning 10,000 years. That is why the reservoir signifies our bond with Hyrule.

I remembered Bazz mentioning a reservoir off-handedly. Apparently, it was the reason the Zora could only send one, strong soldier instead of a brigade to inform Prince Sidon. The rest of their forces needed to monitor and maintain the dam's integrity. With the increasing rain, I don't doubt that its fortifications are slowly being chipped away.

According to this glyph, the reservoir has lasted all the way back to the First Calamity – where the first hero and first princess allied with the Sheikah to defeat Ganon.

The 'Part II' that's inscripted into the stone means that there are others – and I already missed the first monument somehow. Although, I'm interested in all the lore the environment could give me – because I could find out about my own history along the way – the stone monuments would have to be saved for another day. But if I ran into another along the way, like the one here, I wouldn't hesitate a quick perusal of its contents.

I turned away from the monument.

Up ahead, the path was open on one side and then sanctioned off my cliff on the other. There were some Lizalfo archers perched up on the ledges, no doubt with some shock arrows at their disposal. There was one Lizalfo with a boomerang pacing back and forth along the route.

Some deep puddles speckled along the route. They wouldn't need to hit me dead on with the shock arrow, just the water around me.

I couldn't fight them. I would need to run through, fast and quick – before they could even register that I was here.

I stuffed my bow into the Korok pouch, minimizing the weight and items I have to carry. I left the shield just as a safeguard and the sword just in case I had to deal with the Lizalfo parading around.

Securing the hood further over my head, I crouched low before pushing off the soft grass – footfalls squishing with every stomp on the wet dirt.

I sprinted past the archers. Belatedly, there was a squawk of surprise, but I was already further down the path before they could do anything.

The Lizalfo with the boomerang was coming up. It perked up with the sound of my footfalls approaching. It wrung its arm back, preparing to use the three-pronged boomerang like a dagger.

I brandished my knife from the baldric belt. Its arm swung and I quickly dropped to my legs, using the residual moment and sleek ground to slide underneath the arc of the weapon. I stood up quickly and cut my own knife into the junction of its arm, forcing it to drop the boomerang. I took the weapon for myself and used it to slice along its eyes.

It squealed and dropped to the ground, clawing at its eyes in full vulnerability. I hesitated finishing it off right then and there – half in mercy and half to cover my tail. But the archers finally registered my presence. The air began to crackle around us.

Leaving the monster writhing uselessly on the ground, I hiked up my hood once more and sprinted to bioluminescent blue.

I crouched behind the coral bushes that decorated the anchor of Luto's Crossing. Turning back, the Lizalfos hadn't followed me. But up ahead, there were some Lizalfos suspended past the bearings on Octorok platforms. There was one close by, which is why I ducked below for cover, and another one further ahead.

The platforms look a lot more stable. The Octoroks were attached in pairs rather than one per corner. The platform was also squared and not a triangle. It would take more than just a single arrow to disbalance them.

The razored edge of the boomerang glinted at me, despite the cloudy weather.

I've never thrown a boomerang before – at least, I don't think I have – but how hard could it be?

I stepped out from the bushes. I held the boomerang by its hilt, wrapping all four fingers over the edge and resting my thumb lightly over them. I pulled my arm back so that my forearm was level with my profile and my hand was behind my head. It was more of an angle than straight vertical. I aimed for the closest pair of Octoroks, lower right corner.

I snapped my wrist forward. The boomerang flew out of my hand and severed the tentacles that secured the Octoroks to the platform. They ascended into the air and well past the point of elevation that my eyes could see.

Then, the weapon curved to hit the adjacent pair of Octoroks. Similarly, their tentacles were severed, and the platform gave way. There was a light squeal before the Lizalfo fell into the water. I counted the seconds before a splash was heard from underneath the bridge.

I celebrated my success until I realized that boomerangs came back. The razored edge cut through the downpour, water spiraling off its prongs as it barreled towards me. I forced myself to stand my ground.

There was no cowardice in catching a boomerang with a clap. I'll work up to catching it with one hand, but better to live an amateur than to sever a finger by imitating a professional.

I ran across the wide expanse of the bridge. When I got close enough to the next Lizalfo, I prepped the boomerang the exact same way and released it with a quick flick.

Before it could hit the Octorok I had aimed for, it quickly veered to return to me. I panicked, believing I had missed my mark. However, the boomerang hit the back of the Lizalfo's head. It was sent careening into the waters below and the Octorok it was standing in front of was hit.

Well…not what I planned for, but it was a better turn out. The Lizalfo was gone, and the platform stayed steady, which had a metal chest on it. I hadn't planned on saving it, but I'll take a reward if it was free.

I brought it over with Magnesis and kicked it open. A Frost Spear was now in my possession.

"Oi!" Someone called. It echoed off the bluffs that surrounded us.

I ran over the bearings and cautiously leaned over the edge. My stomach lurched at the height. That old, but familiar feeling stirred in my gut once more – it felt like ages ago, but in reality, it had only been about a week. Intrusive thoughts clouded my mind the longer I stared down into the water.

L'appel du vide…your brain wants to make the most powerful decision – that decision is jumping off.

"Hylian, if that is you staring over the edge, let us know!"

I shook myself out of the trance, but I didn't miss the way my hands instinctively tightened on the metal bearings. I focused on the dots in the water, specifically the one waving the silver spear. It was hard to distinguish who was who from the constant ripple of the rain. All I knew was that the bright, red one was Prince Sidon.

"Y-Yeah!" I answered. "It's me!"

"You are almost there!" This voice was distinctly Prince Sidon's. "Look up! See those shining lights in the distance? That is Zora's Domain!"

I raised my eyes, easing the tension in my stomach. The rain and mist served to cloud things in the far distance, but as the day dimmed and the sun began to set, I could make out hazy balls of blue light that speckled the fog ahead. There was something that glowed orange, too.

The mountain path eventually led to a thin strip of land suspended over the lake. It was a natural bridge into the domain.

I heard water rushing; more powerful than any waterfall I've heard before.

"We are going to swim up the waterfall!" Bazz called up. I turned my gaze to his dot in the water. "We will meet you there!"

I nodded, though he couldn't see me.

"Woah! Hylian, beware!" Torfeau yelled. "A monster approaches from behind you!"

The ground quaked with heavy footfalls. This was bigger than a Bokoblin or Lizalfo.

Instinctively, I unholstered the Frost Spear and held it firmly in my grasp. A black Moblin with white markings slowly approached from the other side of the bridge. It wielded a menacing club, larger than my own height, but made of flimsy wood.

I struck at a distance with the spear. The air froze around me, and the head of the spear radiated wisps of condensation. When it made contact with the Moblin's bare torso, fractals of ice spread from the point of impact – covering the monster until it was frozen in place.

I stared in awe at the elemental weapon in my hands.

But before I took too long, before the ice could melt, I shouldered the spear and approached the immobile Moblin. With all the strength I had, I pushed the frozen being to the edge of bridge. The ice cracked and fissured under the heat and strength of my hands.

When I pushed the body up to the bearings, the ice broke and the Moblin reanimated. I brought out my sword this time. Bracing the blade with the edge of my palm, I struck it back into the Moblin's body before bringing it back to bash the hilt into its long, awkward nose.

Its upper body folded over the bearings. As I final push, I brought my hands together and shoved the rest of its body down.

I teetered over the edge to watch the action.

Prince Sidon and the others swam away from the force of impact. The Moblin landed with a resounding splash, dousing Tottika and Ledo who had surfaced earlier than the others. They watched as the Moblin flailed uselessly in the water, eventually drowning and eventually reduced to mist.

"You are no ordinary, Hylian. Are you?" Tula asked, her question resonating through the bluffs.

I didn't entertain her with an answer.

"We will see you in the domain. Be careful in the highlands!" Ledo bid, leading the pod away from the bridge.

Prince Sidon and I held gazes for a moment longer. I couldn't decipher his meaning, but only because this height blurred such finite details. Then, he turned – joining the others without so much as a farewell.


The lampposts were more frequent in this bend than previous areas. That must mean that the domain is even closer.

I ran up along the footpath of Ruto Mountain, matching my endurance with the thinning air as I approached the peak. Eventually, there was an area where the cliffs opened into a spacious site. There were some crates that bordered the entryway.

I was too distracted by the crates of supplies and Hylian weaponry to see the Electric Wizzrobe dancing over the destruction. It had seen me first. There was a delightful laugh before I locked eyes with it. Then, it disappeared with a twirl of its yellow wand.

I brought out the Frost Spear and followed the twinkles of yellow light as it danced around the campsite. I noticed the wooden crates and plank defenses in my periphery.

It reappeared across from me, summoning a bolt of lightning with its wand. The yellow orb drifted towards me. I rolled behind the wooden crates and reared my spear back. A tail of condensation followed the weapon as it soared high. It hit the Wizzrobe straight on, freezing it from the air and landing on the ground with a dull thud.

I quickly ran over and produced my sword from the pouch. With a single swipe, the ice broke but the Wizzrobe was still recovering. It curled up into a ball on the wet grass.

I continued beating into it until purple splotches appeared on its skin, until it evaporated into the ether. I was bringing vengeance to the villages and campsites it had ruined. It danced over places of death. Unlike Bokoblins, Moblins, or even Lizalfos, these monsters reveled in the downfall of Hylian civilization, whereas the aforementioned just crowded those places to survive.

So, if I wasn't pulling my punches or stopping when it was over, I didn't feel bad at all.

I was left with a lightning rod. I stuffed the sword back into the Korok pouch and retrieved the spear. That, too, went into my hidden inventory. I strapped the lightning rod into my baldric belt.

On the path ahead, there was a familiar monument carved into the face of the mountain. It was marked by two lampposts and its glyph was similar to that of the previous Zora Stone Monument I encountered before Luto's Crossing.

History of the Zora, Part III
Miracle of the White Scale, as told by King Dorephan

Our scholars say that in the distant past, Zora's Domain had a king with no special talent for the art of war. What he lacked in skill with a blade, he made up for in love for his people, and especially love for his queen. One day, news reached the king of a horde of monsters gathering in the Zodobon Highlands. The king steeled himself for war to protect his people, but the queen knew how ill-suited for the task he was. Worried for his life, she wove one of her own scales into his armor, hoping that her love would protect him in battle. It seemed for a time that the tide of battle favored the Zora and that all would make it safely home. But the cunning Lizalfos general saw an opening and seized it, driving the king's forces into a corner. Just when the general's sword was ready to crash down upon the king, a miracle took place. An errant sunbeam reflected from the scale on his armor blinded the Lizalfos, stopping the deathblow from falling. This was the chance the king needed to rally his forces and turn the tide, taking down the general and securing victory. This came to be known as the Miracle of the White Scale, a scale that only female Zora possess. It was this miracle that began the tradition of Zora princesses crafting armor for their future husbands.

I snorted, thinking of the story as biblical in logic and style. However, I couldn't deny that this tidbit was interesting to say the least. It gave me a glimpse into the culture of the Zora, specifically that of marriage. I admired that their marriage proposal was built on the foundations of protection.

You are precious to me…so, I have woven a piece of myself so that my love may watch over you wherever you shall go.

On the other hand, it also gave me a newfound appreciation for Lizalfos. They weren't brainless monsters like I had so ignorantly believed. These monsters also had histories rich with culture and strategy. Was it the rise of Hylian civilization that pushed them back into more primitive technology?

Now, I felt bad for the Moblin I had pushed over the bridge…

I shook my head and pressed forward, ridding the thought with firm determination.

Politics were never my strong suit. I know it's important considering it literally defines how to treat certain subjects and even people, but I knew it to be very complicated. I always based my outlook on two things: 1.) do no harm unless provoked and 2.) be kind to others with no ulterior motive. And I guess with my tenure as a knight, virtues of chivalry and justice were sprinkled in there.

When it comes to ambitions, especially those of power over territory or domains, I couldn't care less.

I followed the lampposts along each bend of the path. Eventually, I had reached the peak, and there was nowhere to go but down.

There was a route that veered off the main trail but led to a ledge that overlooked the oncoming descend.

I ran over. Glancing at the route ahead with the Sheikah Scope, I found several Moblins that were sprinkled along the paths. All of them were black with white markings, wielding heavy weaponry made from bone and wood. I counted at least three from my vantage.

Due to my current elevation, I could easily Paraglide down and avoid all of them. They wouldn't even be aware of my presence. The last Moblin was guarding the final bend and there was a safe place I could land, conveniently right next to the bridge that led into Zora's Domain.

I hooked the Sheikah Slate back onto my hip and brought out the Paraglider. With a leap, I was falling like dead weight in the air. Bringing the Paraglider up and opening its wings, I began to drift down – aiming for the location I had marked in my mind.

When I landed, it was sheer coincidence that I was beside another Zora Stone Monument.

Unlike the other two I had seen, this one was weathered with time. The glyphs were faded. They were unreadable with the missing swirls and dots in the letters.

H...ory of the Zor..., Part VII
The H...ro...e Who D...feat...d the Ly...l, as t...d b... King Dorephan

T...re was a time when the p...ple of the land were thre...ened by the dr... beast Ly...e... who lived on the Pl...mu... M...ntain. But one Hy...n drove th... beast back an... re...ored p...ce to the do...in. Th... Zora helm w...n in th...s fight i... no... north of ... in the r...ns near ... L...ke. It re...s ther... to h...or the d...ds of the he...ne Z....

Despite my best efforts, I hadn't an inkling as to what this monument was commemorating. All I knew was that there was a person who defeated a thing and restored peace to the land. It must have been pretty significant to warrant a commission to the stonemason of the Zora. But due to the passing of time, this person was forgotten.

I felt the same remorse for this person that I felt for the Hateno warrior – the girl who founded the defense squad. It was a tragic thing to be erased from history simply because ink fades or stone is weathered by rain. At least I could keep their stories alive, but it would have been better if I had known their names.

I ran across the natural bridge, arriving to arches of glowing blue. The first one had an emblem of three crescent moons and the others had geometric patterns that formed the shape of tails and scales.

The sound of rushing water got louder. And as I approached the domain, it was soon the only thing I could hear.

Mist from the rain, mist from the water, and the gale from the mountains surrounding us caused goosebumps to prickle along my arm. I fought a shudder that coursed through me.

The grey and dreary atmosphere only enhanced the spires of glowing blue that encircled the domain. It wasn't until I stood in the center of the welcoming plaza that I was able to appreciate the beauty and practicality of Zora architecture.

Prince Sidon had pointed out that the trails leading to Zora's Domain were designed for Hylian travelers. The same could be said about the actual domain itself. There was a complicated layout to account for both walkways and waterways. Stairs were obviously for Hylians, but the Zora had their own path which had a light stream of water flowing through it. The Hylian stairs led straight to the second level. Meanwhile, the Zora's waterway led to private sleeping chambers and other miscellaneous locations I couldn't see from my position. The waterways even had a special bearing, structured like a spout that funneled rainwater into the stream.

I leaned over the edge to determine how exactly was the domain structured to stay this high above the lake. Turns out, its foundation was bedrock, and the entire city was held up by crystalline pillars. Crystal could withstand water and wouldn't breakdown with time.

"Hylian!" Tula called.

Her, Tona, Torfeau, Tottika, and Ledo came sliding down from the waterways. I noted that Sidon and Bazz strangely weren't with them.

I was about to call this detail out when suddenly, Tula gently pushed me behind her. The rest of them crowded around me, spears raised in defensive stances. Tottika was in the front with Torfeau. Ledo and Tona were right behind them, flaring out slightly in an arrow position.

I was rightfully bewildered. I thought when I arrived in Zora's Domain, I would be safe. There would be no need to fight.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"Just stay behind us, Hylian," Tula responded.

I raise myself up on my toes, trying to peek over Tottika and Torfeau's broad heads and tall heights. I could see several spears – all silver, all decorated with the trademarks of Zora weaponry – raised up in defiance. When I was able to see, I noticed that they were a group of older Zora soldiers. Their age was apparent by the deep wrinkles set underneath their eyes.

In their eyes, something blazed: hatred, fury. They spears were gripped with opposition.

Bazz was in front, speaking with a Zora elder. The older Zora held the same spear as him, but it had more decorations than the current Zora Captain.

I fought my way to the front.

"Sargent Seggin, please calm yourself," Bazz pleaded.

"No! As Captain of the Zora Guard, your responsibility is to protect the realm. I implore you; we must banish this Hylian from our territory!" The elder responded, a high pitch of indignation present in his tone.

I broke through Tottika and Torfeau, landing myself behind Bazz but before all the Zoras to see.

"Look upon her back!"

"She has a Lightning Rod!"

The elder Zora gazed upon me with contempt in his eyes. If he could, I assumed he would've snarled at me right then and there.

"You cannot convince me that she does not have ill intent with a weapon like that at her disposal." I quickly unholstered the rod and shoved in into my Korok Pouch. But the damage was already done. "Captain Bazz, banish her at once!"

Bazz firmly banged the end of his spear on the ground. "I cannot – under good conscious – banish her. The Domain needs this Hylian, and she has done nothing to slight us. Are you not aware of our precarious situation with the East Reservoir? Will you go against the order of the king to continue to fuel your own ignorance?"

"My ignorance?" Sargent Seggin was affronted by the accusation. "Nothing to slight us? Do you not know who this Hylian is?"

"As a matter of fact, I do," Bazz answered haughtily, a smug smirk painting his face.

I looked past the angry mob, towards the center of the main plaza. Several Zora citizens have exited the shops and their homes, confused by the commotion I have caused.

Before the fountain, Prince Sidon stood with another Zora elder. The Zora elder was sage green in coloring and unlike the majority of the population which resembled sharks, he looked more like a manta ray. When I met his eyes, the elder looked away – almost ashamed.

"Then, you must know that she is responsible for the massacre that happened 100 years ago," Sargent Seggin challenged – a cruel smirk playing upon his thin lips. "This woman—" he pointed to me, and I felt a spotlight burn through my entire body "—is the one responsible for Princess Mipha's death."

The world caved from underneath me. There was a distinct ringing in my ear as I fought to catch my own breath. I was inhaling, inhaling, and inhaling, but no air was being breathed out. The crowd has broken out into more jeers. I distinctly hear Bazz trying in vain to defend me, but his words were muddled and distorted to my own ears.

I locked eyes with Prince Sidon. He was staring apathetically at the crowd, at me. He didn't join the others in defending me, merely standing in silence next to the manta ray. His neutral expression was mocking. It was if he was saying 'I told you so', 'I told you so', 'Itoldyouso'.

His words from our meeting echoed in my mind.

"You will not be welcomed into Zora's Domain."

It wasn't a threat at all. It had been a warning.


A/N: I hope this late update didn't throw anyone off! idk why but plot bunnies were running around my head this weekend and I couldn't find the motivation to sit down and write.

I definitely changed the locations of the Zora Stone Monuments. I did that deliberately. I think those three monuments best illustrate the overarching themes of this arc. The Reservoir one will be used to describe Zelda's childhood in Zora's Domain.

I hope you were paying attention all the things Bazz was saying ;)))

Now, unfortunately, there won't be an update next week because...it's my birthday coming up! I'll be on a little vacation with my friends and family, so I'll be resting instead of writing. But in the meanwhile, I'll respond to reviews if you guys have any questions. Other than that, please let me know what you thought and what you think will happen in the future!