LOVE IN A TIME OF CALAMITY

Part 3: Letting Go
Chapter 23: Reckless

A/N: I hope you guys enjoy this chapter, it's going to be a lot of fun! Next week will be a bit of a break from LIATOC, as we'll be getting down and dirty with a new smut fic. The version posted here will be quite truncated as its really not even close to FFnet guidelines. Head on over to AO3 to read it in full (details in my profile). For now, enjoy chapter 23, and don't forget to review!

Chapter Warnings: None

The sun had barely risen, hidden behind the rocky mountains surrounding the Domain and casting the city in pale blue morning light. Zelda had slept fitfully, waking several times in the night from unremembered dreams. She had been up for some time, now, had already packed her last bag and dressed in her royal riding attire, awaiting the hour to depart. She passed the time in a daze, seated upon the edge of her bed, staring at the wall with faraway eyes as her thoughts cycled through the past several days. It had been a difficult visit.

She had always known there must be more to Link than met the eye. Though he acted in his role as Knight and Champion with bravery and solemnity, so too did she—and there had always been far more roiling beneath the surface than her calm and collected exterior would suggest. Perhaps that had been why she never bought his stoic facade. And though she had wanted for so long to know what ran beneath those calm waters, to see his true self as her true self had become revealed to him, she had not been prepared for what happened beneath the city.

She had come to trust him in a way she trusted few others. She felt, for the first time in her life, she could simply be with someone—not a princess, not the vessel of the Goddess' power, but just Zelda; and right when she had let herself relax into that freedom, he had lashed out—bitten her like a rabid dog, heedless and unaware of its actions. The shock had drawn forth that old wall she always put between herself and the world to keep the barbs at bay—the wall that kept her isolated and alone; the one she'd worked so hard over the past many months to tear down.

She knew he didn't mean it. He had apologized immediately after, and she'd never seem him so contrite about anything. He hadn't been lashing out at her, specifically, but at the circumstances—latching on to whatever or whoever he could blame and direct his pain towards; just as she had done, but towards herself. Logically, she understood, she forgave, and wanted to help him through his pain.

But… it had hurt.

Glancing at the clock, she sighed. The time for Link to fetch her was nearing. She awaited the telltale knock on her door, her mind absently spinning in circles as she waited; but the door remained silent. As the minutes ticked by and the sky outside her windows lightened, her fingers knotted themselves in her lap in worry. Was he perhaps avoiding her? Link was always punctual—often early, even. She couldn't entirely blame him, though, if he was. A part of her wasn't sure she was ready to face him again either.

However, despite Link's eruption the night prior and his looming morning arrival, he wasn't the only thing occupying her weary mind. Her vision of Mipha hovering ethereally above the waterline would not leave her. She knew her grandmother had heard the voices of the spirit realm, but neither she nor her mother had ever mentioned actually seeing the lingering spirits of the dead. As best she could guess, Mipha must have had unfinished business keeping her tethered to the mortal plane. Perhaps she had wanted to ensure Link received her gift? But if so, why did she not depart for the Sacred Realm when her father had presented Link with the armor? No, that reasoning did not fit.

Which left her with one unsettling conclusion: Mipha had wanted to ensure he was looked after. She had assented to Mipha's request partly out of shock and partly because it had felt natural to do so. In the aftermath of the calamity she and Link seemed to have somehow navigated themselves rather naturally into the very position of caring for one another. But now that she'd had time to think about, she was beginning to wonder just what she'd gotten herself into.

By the simple action of nodding her head, she had pledged to take care of Link in her stead, to do that which the Zora Princess could do no longer. She couldn't deny or disrespect the final wish of her friend and champion. But Mipha was right—he was reckless. Looking after him would be no easy task, especially when he was tasked with protecting her. How would she manage to both uphold her promise to Mipha and her duty to Hyrule? She was having enough trouble with just one as it was.

She had debated talking to Link about her brief interaction with Mipha's spirit, but almost immediately threw out the idea. The Goddess only knew what his reaction would be, and the last thing she wanted to do now, while he was still so raw, was to cause more pain. And besides, a deep instinctual feeling told her Mipha didn't want him to know—at least not yet.

A knock sounded at the door, interrupting her thoughts and causing her to jump where she sat. He was late, but not terribly so; perhaps she was just nervous to see him again. She wasn't entirely certain what to expect of his mood. He had been so crushed by yesterday's revelation, and it had broken her heart to see him brought to his knees by grief. But the hurt lingered despite her sympathy, stinging and unresolved. She wasn't quite sure how that would affect her ability support him, but she would do her best, regardless.

Shaking herself of her thoughts, she rose from the bed and headed to the door attempting a calm, composed demeanor. Gripping the handle of the door she held her breath, opening it to see… Barlow?

"Good morning, your Highness!" He greeted pleasantly, "Are you ready to meet with the King? Master Link just went to see Oran about preparing the horses for our departure, so I came to gather the last of yours bags and escort you to the central plaza."

Zelda nodded, releasing her breath and feeling an unexpected disappointment wash over her. So he was avoiding her. Well… nothing to do about it now. Plastering an uncomfortable smile on her face, she nodded and stepped aside for him to enter. He did so, quickly grabbing her last pack and following her out the door.

King Dorephan and the young prince stood in the center of the central plaza, gazing up at the statue of Mipha with sad eyes. Though the sun was just starting to peek over the mountains, it was early and the domain quiet and still, most of its inhabitants still asleep or only just starting their morning routines. A crisp breeze tousled her hair as she approached the two, adjusting her smile to, hopefully, look a little less forced as she greeted them.

"Good morning King Dorephan, Prince Sidon." As she came to stand before them, she offered a polite bow of her head.

"Ah, Princess." The King turned, his large bulk nearly hiding the large statue from view as he grasped her hand and shook it. "Thank you for coming to our humble Domain, and thank you for bestowing such honors upon my dear Mipha. Your thoughtfulness and your kindness will be remembered."

Out of the corner of her eye she saw Link approaching up the promenade, and felt her heart beat just a little faster as he caught her eye, then abruptly turned his gaze. Refocusing on the King, she offered a small smile. "Of course, your Grace. Your daughter deserves every honor I am capable of bestowing."

The king sniffled at her words, his eyes watering though he did not cry. Sidon, however, allowed his tears to silently flow where he stood beside his father. Spurred by the sight of the young prince's sorrow, she knelt and wordlessly extended her arms. Without preamble Sidon rushed forward and hugged her fiercely, and she wrapped her arms around the young boy tightly. After a moment the boy pulled back, a bashful blush coloring his cheeks. Zelda smiled, feeling a little warmth stir in her heart. "Please feel free to write me, Sidon," she said gently, cupping one rosy cheek, "I get so little correspondence, and it would be nice to hear from a friend."

Looking enthused, he nodded, stepping out of her embrace to stand by his father who eyed her fondly. Zelda rose as Link finally reached the group, and the King turned his attention to him.

"Link, my boy," he began, extending a hand and grabbing Link's, "Remember what I said. You are always welcome here in the Domain." He held Link's gaze, a pointed look in his eyes and Zelda turned away, feeling out of place before such a personal moment. It wasn't long, however, before the King released him and turned his attention back to her.

"Please have a safe—" Dorephan stopped mid-sentence at the sound of Link's sword being pulled several inches from its scabbard. Dorephan's eyes tracked to Link with confusion as both he and Barlow had suddenly turned their attention away from the conversation and towards the distant mountains, eyes narrowed and shoulders stiff. Link's hand gripped the pommel tightly, ready to pull it forth at a moment's notice.

Zelda glanced between them worriedly, looking around for the source of their concern. "Link? Link, what's the matter?"

Dorephan eyed him with concern as well, holding Sidon closer. "Link, my boy, what is it?" He turned towards the direction both guards were gazing in, squinting into the light. "What do you see?"

Link didn't immediately answer either of them, but instead turned to Barlow, speaking lowly, "Do you hear it?"

Zelda looked between the two, baffled, but strained to try and hear anything out of the ordinary; yet all that reached her was the gentle rush of water flowing through the Domain.

Barlow wore an uncharacteristically serious expression. He nodded and drew his bow as he answered, "Yes; but I don't see it—yet."

Link suddenly turned to the King, sheathing his sword. "Your Highness, order everyone inside the sanctuary around the shrine, it's the only place in the domain that—"

"Say no more; I'll see it done." Whatever was going on, Dorephan seemed to understand as he unceremoniously picked up young Sidon and began running across the plaza, bellowing orders to his guards.

Link then turned to her, grabbing her hand and leading her hurriedly around the statue. "Princess, you need hide as well." Zelda's gut twisted. What was going on? He avoids her all morning and then… this? As Link practically dragged her towards the stairs leading to the sanctuary, her mounting fear and confusion and frustration clashed into an anxious frenzy. What was so urgent? What did they see that she could not?!

"Stay hidden inside the shrine until I come and get you, it's the only place in the Domain that—"

Wrenching her hand free she finally found her footing, planting her feet firmly and staring at him with consternation. "Link, what is going on? What's out there? What do you hear?!" Reaching for her hand again, he attempted to pull her down the steps but she held her ground, pulling her hand free once more. His expression turned from one of seriousness to one of almost annoyance as he reached for her again.

"Princess, please! It's a Wizzrobe. You need to stay hidden, the Domain is extremely vulnerable…" his words trailed off as a soft tinkling sound began to echo around the plaza, and she felt her stomach drop. A wizzrobe?! She'd never encountered one before, but her texts made them out to be horribly dangerous. What in the world was one doing in the domain?

Without further complaint, she allowed Link to lead her into the sanctuary.

She glanced anxiously over her shoulder as she descended the steps, not slowing her pace. She could hear muffled shouts beyond piercing the morning stillness, but couldn't distinguish any words. "But what is it doing here? I thought they were only found in unsettled territories!"

Link didn't answer, depositing her on the circular platform of the shrine. Zora were filing hurriedly into the sanctuary, some still drowsy but all of them confused and scared. Link gently grabbed her by the shoulders, pinning her wide, roaming gaze under serious blue eyes.

"Stay here. Barlow and I will take care of it—we've both fought them before. Do not leave until I come for you. Understand?"

Dumbly Zelda nodded, feeling her chest tighten. Mipha's words briefly floated through her mind as she gazed warily into his serious eyes, already hardening for battle. Biting her lip gently, she lifted a hand to his arm as he turned, squeezing gently as she held his gaze meaningfully.

"Please be careful, Link," she whispered.

He offered a faint smile and a nod, then swiftly turned and ran up the stairs.

-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-

Barlow had taken up position on the opposite side of the plaza when Link returned to the open air. He looked worried as he glanced towards him, bow held aloft.

"It's a Thunder Wizzrobe!" he shouted over the hubbub, pointing east, "I caught sight of it briefly before it turned invisible." Inwardly Link swore. It was the worst kind of Wizzrobe to attack the domain. "It's still pretty high up, though, I don't think I'll get a good shot unless we can draw it closer."

Link nodded, running towards the Promenade and turning for a clearer view beyond the fish tail. Dancing along the stone of the domain he could periodically see a shadow, and the ripple of the Wizzrobe's footsteps in the air as it slowly circled the domain high above, moving towards its center. Barlow was right, it was too high up to get a clean shot, and if past experience were any indication, it probably wasn't coming down any closer to the ground unless it had to.

As he tracked its footsteps, the Wizzrobe suddenly reappeared, holding aloft its thunder rod and swinging it around wildly. A shrill cry echoed off the stone and the bright morning light began to fade, giving way to ominous, dark storm clouds. Thunder boomed and echoed off the cliff sides, and a few startled cries could be heard from within the sanctuary. It was summoning a thunderstorm. However, Link paid it little heed, turning and jogging over to where Barlow stood with his bow angled skyward and his eyes slanted and sharp.

"Barlow, I'm making for higher ground. Keep the central plaza clear and protect the sanctuary." Wordlessly, Barlow nodded, his nocked bow tracking the Wizzrobe as it continued to flail wildly high in the air. The sky had darkened until it was almost completely black, any lingering traces of morning light all but gone. Link turned, running up the stairs as he made for the throne room. The giant fish tail which rose high above the Domain had been carved with thousands of small shelves to affect the appearance of scales creating perfect handholds.

When he was younger, he had climbed the tail out of a desire to view the whole of the majestic domain. Now he was climbing it for much the same reason, but for an entirely different purpose. Checking to make sure his weapons were affixed securely to his back, he hopped up onto the side railing and grabbed at a nook in the carved design, pulling himself up one of the pillars flanking the throne room's entrance.

The Wizzrobe wouldn't come to them, so Link would just have to go to it.

-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-

Barlow was no stranger to fighting wizzrobes. Back during the electric keese crisis in the Domain a decade ago they'd discovered the source of the problem to be a young electric wizzrobe hiding in the mountains. It seemed to be experimenting with its powers, summoning the swarms of electric keese which had been plaguing Zora's Domain; and, as luck would have it, once the electric wizzrobe was discovered it began its transformation into a thunder wizzrobe and rained electrified chu-chu's and keese upon them like, well, rain. It had been a grueling battle—a siege almost, but the wizzrobe had been conquered in the end. This one would be no different.

Though the wind began to pick up he kept his bow nocked and angled towards the sky, on the off-chance that the monster came within shooting range. Sparing a quick glance out the corner of his eye, he saw Link hugging the base of the giant stone fish tail, slowly working his way high above the domain. His eyes widened. The kid was going to climb to the top in the middle of a storm to be high enough to get in a clean shot! Barlow had to suppress a chuckle. Damned fearless, foolish kid; though he knew, if anyone could pull it off, it would be Link.

A loud crack echoed throughout the Domain and a gust of wind whipped at his tunic, but Barlow did not waver. Returning his focus to the wizzrobe above, he noticed it had stopped waving its thunder rod around wildly, and turned its attention to him. The creature's large, menacing yellow eyes assessed him from beneath its white hood, a sinister grin growing broader as it took two tinkling steps in his direction. Barlow stiffened, holding his bow steady. With a cackle, the wizzrobe waved its rod in a circular pattern, and with a popping sound a large swarm of electric keese appeared out of thin air, flying straight towards him. The wizzrobe cackled again, and with another circular motion summoned several small electric chu-chus, which dropped heavily from the sky right into the central plaza. With a twirl, the wizzrobe disappeared, the only evidence of its presence the faint tinkling sound of its invisible footsteps.

Barlow cursed. Throwing down his bow, he pulled his sword from its sheath, tightly gripping the shock-resistant Sheikah wrappings he'd had commissioned for his royal broadsword years ago, and grateful his paranoia had finally paid off. He kept his eyes on the Keese, as their speed exceeded that of the slow-moving chu-chus. As they came in range, he gripped the handle of his sword tighter, tracking the movements of the swarm. With an almighty shout, he twisted the handle of his sword, smacking the lead keese with the flat of his blade and sending it crashing into others alongside it and sending them bouncing to the ground, shuddering before releasing a small explosion of electricity and falling still.

It was a little-known trick he'd learned years back—avoid their electric discharge upon death by all means possible, or you'll find yourself rooted to the spot by electric shock as the rest of the swarm attacked to kill. And the best way to do that was for them to die as far away from you as possible.

Swinging his sword back in the other direction, he hit two more keese with the flat of his blade, sending them spiraling into several more of their companions and tumbling to the ground where they released their charges before falling still. But the rest of the swarm was already upon him. Leaping to the side he rolled, standing quickly and waiting for them to turn. As the swarm neared once more, he repeated the pattern, whittling the monsters down to a mere handful. With another leap and another roll, he stood, waiting for the remains of the swarm to turn and attack; but it seemed the survivors knew better than to try their luck. With a cry they turned as one, flying away towards the mountains.

However Barlow didn't have much chance to contemplate his victory as the Wizzrobe had reappeared directly above him and released a sinister, shrill cackle. Whipping his head up, he saw the creature lifting its thunder rod, stomping each foot in turn like a child having a tantrum. Suddenly light erupted from the top of the rod, sending balls of lightning exploding forth like an erupting volcano. Barlow's heart rate quickened and as fast as his muscles would carry him he turned and ran—only to be met with a wall of electric chu-chus, barring his way. Whipping his head from side to side, he spotted his bow not far away and dove for it, narrowly avoiding a large ball of lightning as it came crashing to the ground. Gripping the handle, he rose to his knees quickly and pulled an arrow from his quiver, nocking it and sending it flying at the center chu-chu. It landed with soft noise and the chu-chu quivered briefly before exploding in a mess of electrically charged chu-chu jelly, a momentary static field surrounding where it had once been and triggering a chain reaction amongst its companions.

However, Barlow did not stop to watch. As soon as the arrow had left his hand he stood and darted to the side, avoiding each ball of electricity in a mad dance for survival. Diving for the protection of the Inn, he quickly stood and lifted his bow to the sky—the Wizzrobe had gotten too close. With a smirk, Barlow pulled another arrow from his quiver and sent it flying. The arrow hit home, burrowing into the Wizzrobe's leg. It squealed in surprise, falling backward and tumbling out of the sky and over the side of the central plaza railing towards the water. However it recovered before it hit the ground and came rising back up, higher this time as it squealed and cackled angrily, waving its thunder rod around in the air. The balls of electricity had stopped falling after he'd landed his shot, however the Wizzrobe was far from done. Waving its rod in a large arc, it summoned four giant electric chu-chus directly over the plaza, then waved it again and summoned an even larger swarm of electric keese. Barlow bit back a curse as he once more unsheathed his sword. This was going to be a long morning.

-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-

Zelda's nerves were frayed. The moment she had seen the balls of electricity falling from the sky she'd felt a hot coal burn through her stomach as her anxiety ate away at her like maggots through rotting fruit. Though logically she knew it was irrational, she felt—no, knew, somehow—that something wasn't right. The urge to start pacing was strong within her, yet she forced herself still. She wasn't the only one who was worried, and the people would start to panic if they saw her or Dorephan be anything but composed.

As it was, Dorephan was doing what he could to keep the people calm—and likely restraining his urge to join the fray if the stories of his fierce warrior nature were anything resembling the truth. He spoke calmly, quietly, over the panicked voices of his subjects near the rear of the shrine, offering comfort and assurances of safety.

Zelda had wanted to see what was going on and so had dared to get as close to the entrance as standing before the bottom step; though now she rather wished she hadn't, as she watched balls of electricity raining from the dark sky like mini-meteors. Her hands twisted before her in agitation, worry gnawing away at her more fiercely than before.

She had heard Link tell Barlow he was off to find high ground, but the fact that she knew why she couldn't see or hear him out there fighting did nothing to ease her worries. She had promised Mipha she would take care of him, and look at her—not a day later and she'd let him off to go and fight dangerous monsters on his own. What if something happened to him?

No. No, she could not think like that. Aside from the fact that it demonstrated little faith in him, it was unproductive. Closing her eyes, she forced her mind clear as she counted backwards from ten, taking deep breaths as she did so.

However her meditation was interrupted by a sudden wail echoing from out in the plaza. Zelda's eyes shot open and darted around what little of the plaza she could see; but she spotted nothing out of the ordinary, aside from the wizzrobe's attacks, anyway. But it had sounded like… she shuddered at the thought, but it had sounded like a child.

Suddenly the wail sounded again—more distinct now that the balls of electricity had stopped raining from the sky. Her heart stopped. It was a child! Distinctly she could hear crying, and it was most definitely coming from outside.

Glancing quickly left and right, there were none who had dared come so near to the entrance of the sanctuary—understandably given a single direct hit would kill any Zora on the spot—and turning behind her, none of the Zora gathered at the rear of the shrine seemed to have heard. Whipping her head back to the entrance, she heard the faint crying starting anew. Someone was out there—a child no less! Her heart thudded against her chest. Link had told her to stay put, but none of the Zora could risk going out there. What should she do?

"Tumbo?"

Whipping her head around, she looked down to see Prince Sidon standing beside her, gazing with wide, horror-filled eyes up the steps. As the wail echoed through the plaza once again, Sidon bolted up the stairs faster than she thought possible.

"TUMBO! I'M COMING!"

Panic rose within her. "Sidon, No!" Reaching a hand out uselessly, Sidon ran quickly beyond her reach, clambering up the top of the stairs and out into the plaza beyond her view

"Sidon, come back!" Without another thought, Zelda ran up the stairs and out into the plaza after him.

As she reached the top of the stairs, she whipped her head around wildly, trying to locate him. Her heart was thundering, panic threatening to overtake her—she refused to be responsible for the death of both Zora heirs!—but she forced it down as best she could; she needed to focus. Barlow stood on the opposite side of the plaza. Four large electric chu-chus slowly advanced upon him as he fought off a mass of electric keese, slowly backing up onto the promenade as he swung his sword through the swarm. He hadn't noticed her.

"Sidon! Where are you?" She cried, looking left and right for any sign. Wind whipped her hair about her face, and as a crack of lightning illuminated the plaza, out of the corner of her eye she caught sight of a red fin whipping around the corner and up the stairs leading to the throne room. Zelda ran after him, avoiding the keese and chu-chu's notice as she darted around the corner and up a handful of stairs before nearly running into the young prince, who knelt over a young blue-skinned Zora boy covered in vicious red welts.

"Tumbo, are you okay? TUMBO!"

Sidon had grabbed his friend and was shaking him, tears streaming from his eyes; but the boy was incoherent, mumbling and groaning where he lay upon the steps. Zelda quickly knelt down, keenly aware of the sounds of battle echoing from where Barlow held the keese and chu-chu's at bay. Placing her hand on Sidon's shoulder, she turned him towards her and he yelped with surprise as he looked up at her with wide eyes.

"Princess! Princess… we gotsa help him!"

Zelda made the decision quickly. There would be time for chastising later—the priority was to get everyone to safety.

"Sidon, I need you to return to the Sanctuary. I will get Tumbo back to safety, but you can't stay here. Do you understand?"

Sidon's brow's furrowed as he gazed at her angrily, shaking his head with vigor. "No! Mipha said she was counding on me to protect our home. I wanna help!" Zelda frowned, but did not argue—there wasn't time. Overhead she could hear the angry cackling of the Wizzrobe. They needed to get back to the safety of the shrine, and soon.

"Okay, but quickly now." As she made to lift the young boy, she found her legs buckled slightly under the weight, but managed to cradle him in her arms despite. "Sidon, I need you to be my eyes—I can't see well over his head," she said, as she slowly took each step down the stairway with caution, "Is it safe? Are there any monsters?" Sidon held Tumbo's hand where it hung down over her arm. He looked around with wary eyes before answering.

"Misser Barlow's holding off the monsters."

Zelda felt relieved. The boy was… surprisingly heavy. As she reached the bottom step, she heard a loud whooshing sound overhead and felt the floor beneath her shake slightly. She tried to look over the boy's head but could only see the top of Mipha's statue. Hiding the sudden shakiness in her voice, she asked urgently, "Sidon, what happened?"

"Chu-chus! Big ones! They… they're…" His voice shook with fear and Zelda felt her panic rise to overwhelming heights once more as her heart thundered painfully in her chest. She couldn't dodge chu-chus, carry dead weight, and keep Sidon safe all at once! However, before she'd had a chance to contemplate a course of action she heard a whizzing noise coming from above. Glancing quickly overhead, her heart stopped. The Wizzrobe held his thunder rod up towards the heavens, stomping his feet as it glowed brilliantly, releasing balls of lightning into the sky like boulders from a volcano as rain began to fall from the dark storm clouds.

"PRINCESS!"

Ripping her gaze from the sight, she turned and saw Barlow gazing at her with wide, shocked eyes from the opposite side of the plaza where he stood trapped behind a wall of advancing chu-chus. In his moment of distraction, a chu-chu jumped at him, and though he returned his attention to it in time to land a hefty blow with his sword, its electrical field hit him like a ton of bricks, and even from afar she could see his muscles tense as he stood in place, rigid and covered in chu-chu jelly with his face contorted in pain as the shock held him stock-still. There was no one to help her.

"Princess!" From her side she felt Sidon tug on her belt, and she knew by the panic in his voice she had to do something. Whipping her head back to the threat before her, she saw the chu-chus slowly advancing. She broke out into a sweat and her pulse spiked. She was trapped. The whizzing sound increased in volume and as she looked up towards the source of the noise once more she saw balls of lightning falling from the sky, a giant one hurtling straight towards them. Her heart stopped.

Suddenly, time seemed to slow. The back of her hand began to burn, and all panic left her. Kneeling quickly to the ground, she set the injured boy before her and roughly pulled Sidon to her chest as she raised her right arm above her.

"Avnayru!" The voice she heard didn't quite sound like her own, though she somehow knew it to be hers. An unearthly resonance hung from the words, and the moment they left her lips she felt a warmth travel through her body and pool into her forearm. A translucent blue barrier, like a large royal knight's shield, formed over it, hovering just above her skin. The ball of lightning struck the strange shield and she felt a gentle pressure against her arm, and then the lightning dispersed, a small electrical field expanding outward before dissipating, leaving them completely unharmed.

As soon as the immediate danger had passed the magical shield faded. But more lightning was falling from the sky, and as she looked back up towards the Wizzrobe she saw it whip its rod in their direction, sending another giant ball of electricity hurtling towards them with alarming speed. They needed to get to safety—now. The burning on her hand returned once more, and she pulled both Zora boys closer against her, one in each arm.

"Venfarore!" she shouted, and suddenly a violent wind whipped around them, blurring their surroundings in a flash of green light. Zelda closed her eyes against the sickening sensation as she felt sudden vertigo threaten to send her toppling. Yet as soon as it came it went, and the sensation of cold water seeping into her pants shocked the skin which knelt upon the ground.

"Princess!"

A cacophony of shouts echoed around her and she opened her eyes, releasing both boys who fell to the ground with a small splash. She was… back in the sanctuary? The calm that had mysteriously overtaken her dissipated, and everything that had happened came crashing down around her. She gasped, feeling her latent panic wash over her as her limbs wobbled and trembled violently. She fell forward, her hands only just catching her fall. The burning sensation on the back of her right hand was gone, the cool water erasing any remnants of the mysterious heat. Dimly she was aware as Sidon crawled out from beneath her, dragging Tumbo along with him. Her eyelids felt heavy, and the shouts around her were muffled, becoming increasingly indistinct. She felt hands wrap around her shoulders and lift her upright—it was Kayden, Barlow's friend; he was wide-eyed, his lips mouthing something she could not understand—and then, darkness overcame her.

-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-

Link's arms burned with each thrust upward, struggling to keep his grip against the wind, but he steadfastly ignored the pain; he was in sight of his goal. With a final heave he lifted himself atop the flat surface at the top of the carved fish tail, turning to rest his back against one of the fin spokes as he breathed heavily. He could hear the tinkling of the wizzrobe as it danced out of sight a bit below him, though the sounds of battle had long since been lost to the howling wind. He knew Barlow had things in hand, at least for the moment, but they needed to end this threat quickly. Wizzrobes became more dangerous the longer they survived, deteriorating your fighting conditions by summoning storms and wearing you out fighting off endless waves of lesser enemies until you became too weak to fend off its direct attacks. Barlow could only last so long down there on his own.

Having caught his breath, he hefted himself upright, rolling his neck as he reached over his shoulder for his bow. He would only get one shot at this, and it had to work. Timing was key. Shuffling towards the edge of the platform, Link looked out over the Domain. Barlow stood further down the promenade fighting off chu-chus, though the Wizzrobe had yet to reappear. Searching the air below him for the telltale ripples of the creature's footsteps, he was momentarily distracted by a tiny figure darting out from the safety of the sanctuary and making for the stairway to the throne room. What…? What were they doing?! Did they not realize how dangerous it was to be out in the op—

Suddenly a second figure darted out after the first, blond hair trailing as she ran pell-mell after the red-skinned Zora. Zelda! Link's fists clenched tightly at his sides, despite his exhausted grip, and he leaned forward just slightly trying to get a better look. Dammit, he'd told her to stay in the safety of the sanctuary! It was Calamity Ganon all over again…

His hunt for the wizzrobe momentarily forgotten, he tracked her movements with sharp eyes. The young Zora had stopped before a figure lying on the ground, Zelda hot on his heels. They didn't remain stationary for long, as Zelda quickly picked up the small blue figure in her arms, seeming to struggle under the weight, before all three turned and headed back for the sanctuary. His anger melted somewhat as he watched her careful steps, stopping at the base of the stairs momentarily and readjusting her arms. Always thinking of others before herself…

Suddenly a tinkling noise caught his attention, and he ripped his gaze away from the Princess towards the source of it. There, some 30 feet below him hovering just over the center of the plaza, was the wizzrobe. His reappearance was sudden, catching Link off-guard as it began to quickly wave its thunder rod around, summoning four electric chu-chus before it in mid-air, which plummeted to the ground beside Mipha's statue. Link's heart leapt to his throat—Zelda was trapped.

Barlow's loud voice drew his eyes to the promenade as the man suddenly noticed Zelda's presence. However, his momentary distraction was all that was needed for the monsters to land a hit, stunning him and leaving him twitching and writhing in place as an electric shock coursed through his body. Link's gut twisted. There was no one to help her.

The tinkling noise sounded again, and the wizzrobe began waving its rod about in the air, summoning balls of electricity and sending them hurtling towards the plaza like meteors; and Zelda was in the middle of it. But with all the electricity in the air, there was no way he could make the dive he'd intended to make. Heart galloping and panic rising within his chest, he quickly ran through his available options—but before he could make a decision, something remarkable happened.

Dropping quickly to the ground, Zelda pulled the red-skinned Zora to her, raising her arm as a translucent blue shield manifested over it, causing an incoming lightning ball to hit and bounce, dissipating harmlessly into the air. However, the wizzrobe was far from done. Aiming its rod directly at the group, it ceased its electrical rain and summoned a massive ball of electricity and sent it hurtling towards them.

Link's heart stopped. There was no way they could avoid that.

Without another thought he leaped off the platform with all his strength, flying through the air at an angle before gravity began to force his body plummeting towards the earth. Heart pumping wildly and wind whipping through his hair, he focused as he spread his arms and legs to slow his descent until he was positioned above the gap between the general store and the eastern pathway. The wind fought his movements as he pulled an arrow from his back and nocked his bow. Time seemed to slow as he aimed at the wizzrobe, targeting the back of its head as he let the arrow fly. In quick succession he grabbed several more, sending each of them hurtling straight at the same spot—and each hit its mark with a sickening thud, piercing its hood and staining it red. A grim smile rose to his lips—there was no way the creature could survive so many direct hits. Almost level with the central plaza, he let fly one more arrow before releasing his bow and repositioning his body for a dive, raising his arms above his head.

The water rushed to meet him with startling speed and he closed his eyes, taking a deep breath just before his body hit, and all sound disappeared save for the rushing of the river. Arcing his back to swim for the surface, he kicked hard, feeling his breath become thin just as his head broke the surface. Taking a gasping breath, he turned and swam for the rock bar beneath the plaza, fighting the pull of the current. He felt his chest tighten as he neared land, thoughts returning to his Princess. He may have killed the creature, but that didn't mean he'd saved Zelda. Goddesses let her be okay.

-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-

Zelda awoke to find a blue-skinned Zora woman leaning over her with a scrutinizing gaze. Blinking owlishly into the face above her, the woman smiled, leaning back as she turned and spoke to the crowd around them. "She's up! The Princess is awake!" Cheers erupted, echoing off the walls, and Zelda felt distinctly confused. What…? Though it took a moment, memories came flooding back to her, and she bolted upright, startling the Zora woman who knelt at her side.

"Where is Prince Sidon? Is he okay?" Whipping her head around wildly, the young boy stepped out of the crowd, wearing a broad grin.

"I'm okay, Princess! Don' worry!"

Zelda took in his healthy appearance and breathed a sigh of relief. Before she could inquire further, however, Barlow's booming voice called out to her, splashing footsteps signaling his descent down the stairs.

"Princess! Oh, Princess you had me worried!" The crowd around her parted, giving her a view of the knight as he made his way towards where she sat at the back of the sanctuary. Though he sported several cuts and his gait was lopsided and weary, he looked otherwise unharmed.

"Barlow? What are you—is it gone?"

He nodded, grinning broadly as he approached her. Once he reached her side he fell to his knees; though if it was out of fealty or exhaustion she couldn't be sure. "It's dead, your Highness. Link did it. He climbed all the way to the top of the fish tail and jumped off. Must have landed at least ten arrows in the creature before he fell into the river—all perfect shots!"

Zelda's eyes widened, her pulse spiking as his words processed. "He did WHAT?!"

Barlow looked alarmed by her reaction and quickly raised a hand to placate her. "Don't worry, he's alright—he's coming up the ladder right now. He's a damned fine diver, I have to say…" As the words left his mouth his eyes widened, suddenly looking chastised. He quickly bowed his head in apology as he covered his mouth with one hand. "Oh—forgive my language, your Highness."

Zelda waved him off, barely acknowledging his slip as she made to stand on wobbly legs. The blue-skinned Zora woman offered her an arm which she gratefully accepted, finding a tentative balance. King Dorephan stepped out from behind the shrine, two guards following behind him as the crowd parted to allow him passage. He looked haggard, though smiled broadly at her nonetheless.

"Princess, I must thank you. Were it not for your quick actions I would have lost my son as well, today. I scarcely know how to repay you." As he came to stand before her, he lifted her hands in his own, bowing his head. "Truly, I am in your debt."

Still feeling wobbly and disoriented, Zelda couldn't think of anything to say. Staring at him dumbly for several moments, she was saved from making a fool of herself by Link's sudden appearance at the top of the stairs, and the excitable shouts of the Zora around them.

"Master Link!"

"The Hero!"

"It's him!"

Zelda quickly turned towards the entrance to see Link standing there, his eyes roving the room in search of her. He was soaking wet, his blond locks plastered to his face and his tunic hanging soddenly from his frame. As soon as he spotted her, blue eyes locked with green, and he gazed at her with a burning intensity, seemingly unaware of anyone else in the room.

Soft words left her lips as she took him in, relieved to see him in one piece. "Link…"

Their silent exchange didn't last long, however, as Barlow stood on wobbly legs and turned towards King Dorephan. "Um, excuse me your Grace, but you don't happen to have a healer in the Domain?"

Zelda tore her gaze away from Link's as Dorephan released her hands and took a step back, gesturing for someone near the back. "Yes, of course. Tula!"

A red-skinned Zora woman made her way through the crowd, coming to stand beside the king as she offered a bow. "Allow me to take a look at you, your Highness, as well as Masters Link and Barlow. Though I've been somewhat drained by tending to young Tumbo, I should have enough energy left." Though Zelda felt an urge to object, King Dorephan nodded, hurrying the Zora towards them.

"Yes, yes," Dorephan added, "Please take a moment to rest and recuperate. We can meet in my throne room to discuss these events once Tula has had a chance to tend to you."

Zelda nodded, feeling her faculties beginning to return. "Of course. Thank you, your Grace."

Tula turned and headed up the stairs, gesturing for Zelda, Barlow and Link to follow.

"Let's get you all fixed up, shall we?" She said with a smile. Zelda followed behind her, Barlow matching her pace. As she came level with Link at the top of the stairs, her eyes met his once more and she nearly stumbled at the whorl of emotions hidden within: worry, relief, and… anger? Turning, startled, from his gaze, she continued forward as Link fell into step beside her.

Though worried and stressed, and now confused, she could inquire of him later. Right now, she needed to focus on addressing this strange turn of events quickly so they could finish their business in the domain and get back on the road. Despite everything, she still had a tight schedule to keep.

Review Responses!

aso083: You would be correct!

kansa: As soon as I unlocked the side quest with Dorian's story I knew It just had to go into this fic. And yes, there's lots going on outside of Link and Zelda! Trouble is a-brewing!