Chapter 5 is up! :D
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"Pardon me, Hylians!"
The pounding of footsteps rushing towards them startled Zelda and before she could process what was happening, a red blur leaped into the waters of Lake Akkala,
"Are you two all right?" a gentle voice asked.
Whirling around, Link got to his feet, sword at the ready and he faced the voice. He stood partway in front of Zelda to protect her.
Several feet away was a red Zora barely taller than Zelda. She held a silver trident behind her back in a non-threatening stance.
Link slowly relaxed when he realized the Zora wasn't an enemy, sheathing his sword as Zelda stood up.
The Zora smiled. "My name is Mipha. My brother and I saw what happened."
Zelda looked between Mipha and the water.
That red blur had been her brother?
"Don't worry." Mipha winked. "My brother's good at fetching things."
Link looked at Zelda who nodded.
"Thank you for your help," Zelda murmured, giving a quick bow.
Link gave a bow as well before pointing towards Epona and Bluebell. I'll get the horses.
Mipha watched him leave before looking back at Zelda. "He speaks using Hylian Sign Language."
"Uh, yes."
"I haven't seen it before, but I've learned to translate a bit."
Before Zelda could ask anything, a voice called from below, "Mipha! You better get down here!"
"Oh, I'd best go see what Sidon wants." Mipha flashed Zelda a smile before diving into the waters.
Zelda moved to the edge of the falls to see that Sidon—a much larger, heavyset Zora—had managed to pull Ganondorf out of the water and onto dry land.
Mipha appeared out of the water, landing beside her brother.
The two began to talk, but Zelda couldn't hear them. Mipha set her hands against Ganondorf's side, a soft green glow coming from them.
Healing magic, Zelda realized.
Healing magic was rare. Few people had the gift of it and Zelda appreciated the fact that they were lucky to be near a healer.
After a few seconds, Mipha withdrew her hands and looked the wound over before saying something to Sidon who nodded seriously. Picking Ganondorf up easily, Sidon ran off. Mipha dove back into the water.
"Is he all right?" Zelda asked when Mipha jumped out of the water and landed near her.
"Those cuts were deep. I healed them as best as I could, but he still needs to be taken to the infirmary. The cold water helped slow his bleeding; that saved his life."
Zelda gave a slow sigh, putting a hand to her chest. "What a relief."
"I'll take you two to the Domain," Mipha offered. "You'll be able to see your friend."
Link grinned as he returned, pulling the two horses by the reins in one hand.
Food?
"Is that all you think about?" Zelda mumbled while Mipha tittered.
"Yes. My father loves entertaining guests. He'll be sure to bring a feast for you."
Link appeared excited, looking at Zelda who sighed.
"All right. Let me get the other horse."
Helltrotter looked up from grazing as Zelda approached.
"Don't bite me," Zelda growled, reaching out a slow hand to take the reins.
Helltrotter watched her before ducking his head to allow her to pull the reins off his neck.
"Oh."
Zelda had expected more of a fight with the giant horse, but apparently Helltrotter was a gentle giant.
Just like his owner, she thought in amusement, gently pulling the reins to get Helltrotter to follow her.
With the horses, Zelda and Link had to take the long way around. Mipha promised to meet them at the Great Zora Bridge after she had alerted her father of their impending arrival.
Taking Ternio Trail down to the path that lead down the Zora River, the two Hylians crossed into the paths of a few green Lizalfos along the way. The lizard monsters were easily dispatched.
After nearly two hours, they arrived at the bridge leading into the glittering Domain, Mipha and Sidon both awaiting their arrival.
"How's…uh, Demise?" Zelda asked when she saw Sidon.
"He's in capable hands," Sidon assured, grinning. "Our healer, Lulain, may not have Mipha's ability but she is just as good. She'll take care of that injury to his shoulder as well."
"Injury to his…?" Zelda paused when she realized Sidon was talking about the arrow injury. "Oh. Thank you."
"I'll show you to our father," Mipha said, beginning to walk into the Domain.
Sidon followed his sister with Zelda and Link trailing behind them.
Climbing up the steps leading to the throne room, Mipha smiled at a black Zora guarding the entrance. The Zora wielded a spear and was covered in pieces of armor to defend his head and chest.
"Good afternoon, Bazz."
The guard straightened instantly, giving a salute. "Good afternoon, Princess Mipha! Prince Sidon!"
He blinked at the other two.
"And…guests."
Link waved while Zelda gave a quick nod.
While Mipha and Sidon moved off to the left side, Zelda and Link stood on a slightly raised section in the center, staring up at the huge blue Zora sitting in a pool of water before them.
That's a big fish. Link signed.
Zelda harshly elbowed him in the ribs, hissing, "Don't be rude!"
The Zora chuckled. "No, no, it is quite all right. My size does pose to be intimidating to some."
Zelda paled when she realized the King could read Hylian Sign Language. "I'm so sorry for him, Your Highness. He meant no—"
"No, no." the King waved a hand, smiling. "No offense taken. My name is Dorephan, King of the Domain Zora. You've met my children, Sidon and Mipha. And this is Muzu, my advisor."
On Dorephan's right side stood an elderly green Zora with the facial fins of a stingray, an unusual sight in the mainly fish-type Zora that resided there.
Muzu stared at the two suspiciously, hands behind his back.
Zelda gave a curtsey. "My name is Sheik. It's a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty."
Dorephan gave an amused smile as he leaned his chin on his left hand while Sidon frowned, tilting his head.
Zelda appeared confused at their reactions. Had she done something funny?
Dorephan gave a chuckle, leaning forward. "I thought your eyes were a bit too blue to be Sheikah, my dear."
You curtsied. Link signed when Zelda looked at him, giving a curtsey to show what she had done.
Zelda mentally slapped her face.
Her disguise had fallen apart quickly because she hadn't bowed like a male should.
"I am sorry for the deception, Your Majesty," she sighed, looking down. "My name isn't Sheik, but—"
"Zelda. I thought you smelled familiar, Princess."
"The Princess?!" Sidon and Muzu squawked at the same time.
Mipha sighed. "You really did not realize, Sidon?"
Sidon shook his head, awed. "No. I was not aware the male before me was actually female, much less the Princess of Hyrule!"
"The Princess disguised as a Sheikah boy?" Muzu sniffed, looking up at Dorephan. "There is something highly suspicious going on, Your Highness!"
"There is a reason she is in disguise," Dorephan murmured, looking down at Muzu. "And what that reason is will remain hers to tell if she so wishes. We will not question it."
"Your Majesty!"
"Enough, Muzu. We will treat them as any other guest."
"Your Majesty," Muzu said, staring at Dorephan intently.
Dorephan lowered his hand for the elderly Zora to stand on before bringing it closer so the two could have a private conversation.
"They brought the calamity with them!" Muzu hissed. "He could destroy our home!"
"The boy knows nothing of his heritage. You were there when Rhoam approached me for my assistance in the massacre of the Gerudo. You were there when I said no. He is injured. I will not turn away an injured guest."
"Dorephan—"
"I did not turn you away when I found you injured in Hateno Bay, now, did I?"
Muzu sighed, shoulders slumping. "No, Your Majesty."
"I will not do that to him. They're our guests."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Dorephan lowered his hand and Muzu stepped off. Dorephan smiled at Zelda.
"You may stay as long as you wish."
Zelda gasped and gave a quick bow. "Thank you, King Dorephan!"
"I'm sure Lulain is done with your friend. I imagine you want to see him."
Zelda nodded, giving another bow. "Thank you again."
"I'm sure you must be famished from your journey," Sidon said as he and Mipha approached. "Why don't we get something to eat? We can bring it to your friend as well in case he's awake."
Zelda was hungry. They hadn't gotten to eat with the dragon attack. She looked at Link.
"You go on ahead. I just want to see how Gan is doing."
Link grinned, nodding excitedly as he looked at the Zora. If you have rice and milk, I can make a paella.
"Oh, a paella!" Mipha gasped, putting her hands together. "That sounds delicious."
"I'll check our store," Sidon offered. "I'm sure they have something you can use."
Zelda smiled as the three walked off before she made her way to the infirmary.
The infirmary was empty except for the one occupied bed where Ganondorf lay.
Zelda sat in the seat beside the bed, looking the redhead over.
His shirt was off, bandages wrapped around his side. He was asleep but didn't appear to be in any pain.
"Good," Zelda sighed, sitting back. She stared at him for a while before frowning when she saw his right hand.
Scratches? Zelda set her fingers on the scratch marks, the Triforce on both their hands lighting up as a result of the close proximity. She sighed, closing her eyes as she realized what he had tried to do. Oh, Ganon. Scratching at it won't make it go away.
Patting Ganondorf's hand, Zelda stood up. She hadn't seen the scratched before because he had mostly kept his hand hidden and now she knew why. Whether it was from shame or embarrassment, she wouldn't know and she wasn't going to ask.
Giving Ganondorf one last look, Zelda left the infirmary and went to find Link.
He, Sidon, and Mipha were in front of a cooking pot near the inn. The two Zora were watching Link in amazement as he cooked the fish and rice.
"Your friend is amazing!" Sidon said when Zelda approached. "He is a magician with food!"
Zelda gave a chuckle. "Ganon is pretty good as well. He's the one who taught Link."
"How fascinating!"
"It smells quite delicious," Mipha said as Link stirred the food.
Link appeared embarrassed by the compliments, tips of his ears red as he focused on not overcooking the food.
Once the food was done, Link took the plates Mipha had given to him, scooping the paella onto them before holding them out.
Zelda smiled when she saw there was some paella left for Ganondorf for when he woke up.
"Where are you three going anyway?" Sidon asked as they ate.
"Tarrey Town."
Mipha smiled. "I've heard that town is nice."
Zelda nodded, looking down at her food. She knew it would be safer to not disclose too much to the Zora about the true nature of their journey.
"You are an amazing cook, Link!" Sidon said, grinning at the Hylian. "I've never tasted anything like it!"
Link waved a hand, blushing. Not good like Ganon.
"Then we will have to taste his food as well to make a comparison!"
Zelda laughed at Link's expression, the Hylian appearing as if he wanted to disappear.
Mipha chuckled as the conversation turned to something other than Link's cooking to spare the blond from further embarrassment.
After dinner was completed, while Link went to the inn to flop in bed, Zelda went to check on Ganondorf with the spare plate of paella.
She was surprised to see him awake, even if he looked dazed.
"How do you feel?" She asked as she sat beside him.
"Like I got rammed by a dragon," Ganondorf mumbled, corners of his mouth twitching up.
Zelda smiled, shaking her head. "Other than that."
"Still pretty tired."
"You should go back to sleep then."
Ganondorf gave a faint hum as he closed his eyes. "I suppose so…"
Zelda sighed, sitting back as she set the plate on a nearby table.
"What do you mean it didn't bring back a body?" Rhoam snarled, pinning Purah with a scowl as the dragon stood silently beside her.
"I-I didn't know you wanted a—"
"Of course I do! That beast is hard to kill. It takes two, three times! Until I have physical proof he no longer breathes, I will not consider him dead. Send it back out to retrieve his body."
Purah gave a small bow. "Of course, Your Majesty."
She made a gesture at the dragon and it snarled, opening its wings and flying off.
Ganondorf grumbled when he felt a pressure on his chest, opening his eyes to see a small red Zora sitting on him. He blinked.
The Zora grinned. "Oh, goodie, you're awake! I'm Finley. That's Tumbo and Keye."
Two blue Zora popped up by the bedside, staring at Ganondorf in awe.
Oh my gods, they multiplied, Ganondorf thought at the two Zora suddenly appearing.
He wasn't really a child fan and having three Zora children around him was unnerving.
"Are you really a Hylian?" Finley asked, staring at Ganondorf suspiciously. "You're way too tall."
"And too tan!" Tumbo piped up.
"And your hair is so red," Keye added.
"I'm a Hylian," Ganondorf mumbled, frowning at the Zora. "I'm tan because I worked on a farm and I'm tall because I drank a lot of milk."
"I've never seen a Hylian with red hair," Finley sniffed, crossing her arms. She then prodded Ganondorf's nose. "Who are you really?"
Ganondorf gave an annoyed growl at the Zora child, but before he could respond, an orange Zora with layered frills around her waist came in, picking Finley off his chest.
"All right, no more interrogating the patient. Or sitting on his chest; his wounds need to heal."
Finley pouted, crossing her arms again, headtail waving in annoyance.
The Zora shooed the three out before sighing as she faced Ganondorf. "I am sorry for them. We rarely have visitors in our Domain, so they get curious."
Ganondorf stared at the Zora. She reminded him of the Lake Zora with her brightly colored scales. After a while he shook his head. "No, it's fine."
At the Zora's motion, he pushed himself into a sitting position.
"My name is Lulain. Your friends were really worried about you." Lulain unwound the bandages around Ganondorf's waist to look at the three claw marks spanning across his side horizontally. "You're lucky to have survived this."
"Um, thank you for your help. I'm grateful for it."
"I'm sure." Lulain applied some green paste to the wound before wrapping new bandages around his waist.
Zelda came in, carrying two bowls. She grinned when she saw Ganondorf awake and sitting up. "You're awake!"
"Good morning, Sheik," Ganondorf said as Lulain moved away.
"How do you feel?" Zelda asked, holding the bowl out to him.
"Better. And starving."
"I'm sure," Zelda chuckled, sitting beside Ganondorf's bed. "You haven't eaten since yesterday morning."
"Ah, no wonder." Ganondorf shoveled a few spoonfuls of the gruel into his mouth before he asked, "Where's blondie?"
"He seems fond of Prince Sidon and Princess Mipha."
"He's always been drawn towards the Zora," Ganondorf murmured, looking towards the door. "He remembers nothing, huh?"
"We don't remember much either, Ganon. Just—"
"Bits and pieces. Probably just the most important memories, at least to us."
Zelda nodded, staring at her hands. "Yes."
It fell silent as the two continued to eat.
Zelda looked up, about to ask Ganondorf something, but was interrupted by a loud roar.
They looked towards the door spying several Zora rushing past with silver spears in hand.
"Was that-?" Zelda started, but Ganondorf had already thrown the covers off and was up, making his way to the door after he had grabbed his swords which had leaned against the wall nearby.
Zelda gasped, following after him. "You shouldn't be up yet!"
"The dragon's back!" Ganondorf growled, glaring at Zelda over his shoulder. "You expect me to sit by and not help?!"
"No…" Zelda shrunk back at his sharp tone.
"I'm going to help."
Zelda watched as Ganondorf left before she followed after him.
Several Zora were already engaged in a battle with the dragon, the mechanical beast shooting short beams at the piscine people but not hitting them. It was obvious it was only focused on one thing: finding Ganondorf.
When it sensed the redhead approaching, it turned its head, red beam aimed at Ganondorf's head.
Ganondorf glared at the dragon, unsheathing his blades and dropping them, grabbing onto the decorative ribbons on the pommel.
Beginning to spin the blades in an alternating fashion, Ganondorf approached the dragon.
The Zora immediately parted to avoid the whirling swords.
The beam fired at Ganondorf and Zelda watched in amazement as it hit one of the spinning blades at just the right angle so it deflected back at the dragon, striking it in the face.
With a shriek, the dragon fell to the ground with a thud, stunned.
Flipping the swords up and catching them by the handles, Ganondorf walked closer to the dragon.
"You will work for me, beast of electricity and wire," he said quietly, putting his hand against the beast's head. His eyes changed color as his pupils thinned out. Kneeling down, he whispered, "My name is Malice. You will do as I command."
The blue coloring of the dragon flickered before fading to a blood red.
Ganondorf grinned as he stepped back, the dragon climbing to its feet.
"It won't hurt us."
"How did you do that?" Sidon asked in awe, Link standing beside him with his sword still drawn.
Ganondorf looked at the Zora before he looked back at the dragon. Honestly, he didn't remember getting that close to the dragon, but it appeared to be tame now.
"I'm not entirely sure but the dragon is harmless now." Ganondorf patted the dragon. "I'm going to name it Skye."
Zelda stared at the mechanical beast in concern before looking at Ganondorf.
All he had done was touch it and now the dragon listened to Ganondorf. She wasn't sure how, but she didn't like it. Only the Dark King could control people, but beasts of metal? That was new. And disturbing.
"You're scaring them," Ganondorf told Skye, gesturing to the air. "Why don't you go up to the cliffs and stay there until I call?"
Opening its wings, the dragon took off.
Several Zora watched it leave before they relaxed, beginning to disperse.
"You, mister, are not supposed to be out of bed!" Lulain snapped, storming up to Ganondorf. She was tall enough to reach up, grabbing the redhead's ear and pulling him down before beginning to head back to the infirmary. "I swear to Nayru if you opened your wounds, I'll chain you to the bed!"
Zelda, Sidon, Mipha, and Link watched Lulain pull Ganondorf into the infirmary.
"Are you all right, Princess? Prince?" Bazz approached the group, looking them over in concern.
"We're fine, Bazz," Mipha said with a smile. She gasped when she noticed a bleeding cut on the Zora's left arm. "You're bleeding!"
"Huh?" Bazz looked at the cut before he grinned. "Oh, it's nothing."
"I should at least—"
"No, no." Bazz held up a hand when Mipha stepped closer. "You shouldn't waste your energy on such a small injury. I'll be fine."
Mipha watched as Bazz left, headtail swishing a bit.
Sidon grinned, leaning down a bit as he cooed, "Ooh, love on the battlefield."
Mipha gave an amused grin, glancing up at her brother before punching his arm. "Shut up."
The punch earned a laugh from Sidon.
