Central Hyrule – Hyrule Castle
"He believes this Revali to be the Rito pilot?" Zelda asked. "The finalist from the Four Swords Tournament?"
Rhoam nodded. "Chancellor Cole and I discussed the topic with several Rito ambassadors. It seems Revali is held in high esteem among the Rito."
Zelda and her father were in his office, where lists of names, character references, and drawings of each Divine Beast were strewn all over the table.
Zelda started tapping her cheek. "I am afraid I do not know Revali well, if at all. The Four Swords might be the first time I ever saw him."
"His name has been in my ears for some years now," Rhoam said. "An exceptional archer and fearless warrior. If the stories are to be believed, he single-handedly stopped a large bandit attack that was intending to strike Rito Village itself."
"Then we are sure he will accept the appointment?" Zelda asked.
Rhoam nodded. "Likely yes. However, Link has reservations regarding Revali's attitude."
"What of it?"
"Pride, arrogance disguised as confidence," Rhoam answered heavily. "Revali may not be ideal as a pilot if he is unable to work with you, Link, or the other pilots. However, Link expressed reservations that the Rito will not accept any other but Revali as their representative. He claimed that he would be able to work with him, if need be, but that leaves you and the remaining pilots."
Zelda nodded. "Having spoken to Daruk, I am sure he would be able to work with anyone. Urbosa may pose a problem, however. The Gerudo are also prideful, and we know Urbosa stands atop all others."
Rhoam sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I cannot imagine what may happen if we were to put those two in a room together…"
"I believe experience will play itself out," Zelda gently said. "Urbosa is a leader, after all. To rule over the Gerudo takes political and personal savvy to navigate the comings and goings of the day-to-day. Surely you can relate, Father."
"Still, one cannot help but have some hesitation," Rhoam rumbled. "You will depart at once. Your journey to Tabantha must be swift. You will assess Revali, make your determination, and offer the position if you feel he is up to the task. Return before winter blocks the roads. I shall have to trust your judgement on this."
Zelda stood up and bowed. "As you wish, Father. I shall leave on the morrow at first light."
"I shall have Auru accompany you," Rhoam said. "Travel safely."
A small part of Zelda was relieved. She had thought that he would accompany her, since he had been to Tabantha before. At least she was comfortable around Auru. "I understand."
~o~O~o~
Hebra – Tabantha Frontier
The journey to Tabantha had no incidents. The Royal Guard had been dispatched to check the area ahead of time. Auru informed Zelda that he had been a part of the advance teams to check the area before returning to Hyrule. Apparently, he had taken a different route home, because Zelda hadn't seen him on the way there. He would, however, be a part of the team that would assess for dangers on the return trip.
Zelda adjusted her leather gloves and shook those errant thoughts away. Gripping the reins of her pure white mare, Lumine, Zelda turned to Auru. "Expecting trouble?"
Auru was speaking to one of the knights that reported back on the conditions ahead. At Zelda's question, the knight—Dame Ashei—turned to her and shook her head. In a voice as cold as the weather around them, she said, "None whatsoever, Your Highness. There were some monsters ahead of us, but they were chased off."
Concerned, Zelda asked, "Was anyone hurt?"
Auru shook his head. "Link is fine. He's doing one more sweep before returning to Hyrule."
"Ah, and any of the other guard?"
Auru blinked, while Dame Ashei snorted. The latter answered. "Link was the only Royal Guard dispatched. I went with him in the event any further assistance was required, which it wasn't, yeah? He was quick with his bow and sent those monsters fleeing. I volunteered to report back while he forged ahead. I believe he wished to greet his old trainer before going home. Rito archers will be meeting us soon. I shall leave as well once we rendezvous with them."
Zelda smiled back and hoped it didn't appear strained.
"Do not worry yourself, Your Highness," Auru said calmly. "We will be there by nightfall. No need to worry yourself about dangers or weather."
"It is heartening to hear that," Zelda said. She glanced back at her handmaidens and smiled at them. "I do not mind camping, but the cold weather does present its own challenges."
Her handmaidens, twins, were seated on a covered carriage. Inside were perhaps far more supplies and clothes for Zelda than warranted for such a brief trip. Though, if need be, the carriage would serve as shelter from the weather if it took a sudden turn for the worse. On either side of the carriage were two soldiers that served as added security, Cayne and Gene.
"We will be fine, Your Majesty," Tia—at least, Zelda thought it was Tia, rather than her twin, Zoe—replied brightly.
Zelda nodded and turned her attention back to the well-traveled road ahead. She wished Impa could have come, but Robbie had requested her help regarding information about some obelisks that may have housed even more Guardians. Impa needed to dive deep into the Sheikah archives and find any reference to validate Robbie's claims or even divine a location.
After an hour of riding, Rito archers flew overhead. Dame Ashei observed them through heavily lidded eyes for a moment before turning to Zelda and Auru.
"I take my leave here," Dame Ashei said. "I shall be back for the return journey tomorrow."
"Have a safe trip, Ashei," Auru said.
"Thank you for your assistance, Dame Ashei," Zelda added.
"Of course, Your Highness," Ashei replied. She saluted, turned her horse around, and trotted away.
The Rito guards landed nearby and walked up to them. They bowed deeply at the waist.
"Your Highness," the Rito in charge said respectfully. "I am Captain Teboh. It would be our honor to escort you to Rito Village."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Captain Teboh. Your offer is greatly appreciated," Zelda said. "Allow me to introduce my traveling companions. This is Captain Auru of the Royal Guard; my attendants, Zoe and Tia; and guardsmen Cayne and Gene."
"Well met," Captain Teboh said. "We have Rito archers flying in the skies above to ensure your route remains clear. I shall personally remain overhead to ensure your safe arrival."
"We would appreciate it," Auru said. "I understand that you were Sir Link's archery trainer when he was stationed here."
"I was," Captain Teboh said with no small amount of pride. "He was a prodigy. I had never seen the like, not since the great Revali rose to prominence among our people. It was hardly a shock to hear that he was chosen to be the Hero of Legend."
"You must be very proud of him," Auru said.
"I am," Captain Teboh said. "It was nice to see that such a position hardly changed him. He took the time to seek me out once his duties for the day were completed. Respectful boy."
Zelda hoped the strain in her smile wasn't visible. Her etiquette instructor would have had a fit if she could see Zelda now.
"We should go if we are to arrive before nightfall," Captain Teboh said. "By your leave, Your Highness."
"Of course, Captain," Zelda said. "Thank you for your assistance."
Once Captain Teboh and his troops were in the air once more, Auru set a quick pace to their destination. They arrived at Rito Village just as the sun went under the horizon. Once at the gates, Auru took his stallion, Lumine, and the two horses that were hitched to the carriage and guided them back to the Rito Stable, where they would be looked after. He would return to Rito Village on foot around dinnertime. Zelda had wanted to stop at the stables first and have everyone walk to the village, but Auru had insisted that it was no trouble and, if that excuse failed, informed her that it was a matter of security. He would have her safe inside the village, rather than on the open roads on foot. Plus, there was the carriage to consider. They had to leave it outside the village so she could have close access to her belongings. They couldn't very well lift everything into their arms and carry it from the stables to the village.
Zelda had to concede the point. Without further recourse, she had acquiesced to his desires. Lifting her satchel—Tia and Zoe were carrying a couple of her bags—they followed Captain Teboh to her temporary quarters for the duration of their stay. She took the opportunity to clean off the dust of travel and make herself presentable before meeting the Rito Chief, Komali. The Rito were kind enough to provide warm water for her bath, something she was profusely thankful for.
The cold made it unfeasible to wear any formal clothing, which Zelda was privately relieved about. Instead, she put on a pair of fresh pants, tunic, and an unsullied white winter coat that felt heavenly. Zoe had cleaned her boots, and a fresh pair of leather gloves completed her ensemble. She was escorted by another Rito villager towards the chief's hut. As they traversed the wooden walkways, Zelda's eyes were drawn to the distant silhouette of Vah Medoh. The bird-like Divine Beast was slowly flying around the Tabantha region on a kind of autopilot, according to Purah.
Zelda desperately wished she could examine Vah Medoh up close, but her time was short. Her planned schedule was that she would meet Chief Komali tonight, speak with Revali after her meeting if possible or tomorrow morning at the latest, secure his help, and leave before any unexpected snows prevented her return. Other knights, or even Royal Guardsmen, would ensure her planned route home would remain clear.
Chief Komali invited her to a private dinner, where they finally discussed the crux of the matter.
"Your Highness, you honor us with your presence," Chief Komali said.
"We appreciate your patience and for taking the time to host us," Zelda replied regally.
"News of Calamity Ganon has reached us," Komali said as they dined. "I can see why His Majesty is interested in the Divine Beasts."
"He did wish to explain the situation sooner, but did not wish to provide false hope," Zelda replied. She paused to take a bite out of her meal. They were eating a rather fanciful affair of roast boar, vegetables, and various other trimmings. Privately, she was yearning for the fruitcake that was going to be served near the conclusion of their dinner. "With the revival of the Divine Beasts, our preparations are coming along more quickly than we anticipated."
"As well as the revelation of the legendary hero," Chief Komali said. "It was clear Sir Faron was talented, but the idea that we hosted someone so renowned… I wish I had taken the time to get to know him more."
Zelda automatically smiled. "I understand that you already have a hero of your own."
"You speak of Master Revali," Komali said proudly. "I have never trained a more gifted archer. Captain Teboh and I have had many discussions about which of our pupils are better. Between you and me? It's Revali."
Zelda giggled. "You sound like fathers bragging about which of their sons are better."
Chief Komali laughed. "Perhaps that isn't far from the truth. Still, Sir Faron's victory at the Four Swords was well-earned, and there should be no shame in losing to such a talented hatchling."
"Ah, and how has Revali taken his loss?" Zelda asked. "I imagine he must have been disappointed."
"I'm sure he was, but instead, he's redoubled his training," Chief Komali said. He pointed off into the distance.
Zelda had to squint to pierce of the darkness of the evening, but she thought she could see distant flashes of light and, when the evening air was still enough, hear distant booms.
"Explosive arrows. Revali has been training day and night at the Flight Range since his loss," Chief Komali explained. "He claims he is on the cusp of developing a new technique that will ensure his victory next time."
"Is there any chance that I might speak with him tonight?" Zelda asked.
Chief Komali shook his head. "I doubt he would be receptive. He will wish to sleep and resume training tomorrow morning. If you would like to speak with him, morning would be best."
Zelda nodded. "It is admirable that he accepted his loss as a challenge to overcome."
"That's putting it mildly," Chief Komali replied, smiling. "May I inquire why you wish to speak to him?"
"Of course," Zelda said. "In fact, that is why I wish to speak to you. What you must understand is that my father, His Majesty, only touched upon the basics of Calamity Ganon. I am here to inform you of the details and the importance of the Divine Beasts."
~o~O~o~
Hebra – Tabantha Frontier, the Flight Range
Auru roused the group awake early the next morning. Breakfast was delivered to their quarters, where they quickly ate before packing up their belongings. Auru brought their horses to the village entrance and readied for the trip to the Flight Range.
Despite the early hour, Auru informed Zelda that he had just missed Revali before the Rito had flown off to the Flight Range for more training. According to some of the guardsmen Auru had spoken to, Revali was close to perfecting his ultimate technique and was singularly focused on his efforts.
"I see," Zelda said thoughtfully. "Auru, would you mind finishing preparations for our departure? I think it best if I meet Revali by myself."
Auru frowned. "Cayne and Gene shall accompany you. At distance, if you desire, but I'm afraid I cannot allow you to ride out by yourself without someone escorting you."
Zelda sighed. "Very well."
The soldiers were ready within moments, and Zelda led the way. There was only one road towards the Flight Range, which would add an extra hour of travel time back to Central Hyrule. However, it had been expected and planned for. A gentle snowfall met them as they traveled, though the clouds were set to break, so their journey home should remain clear, at least for a few days longer.
When they got closer, Zelda blinked at the sight before her.
"Is that a whirlwind?" Cayne asked, confused.
"It seems rather focused," Zelda murmured. "That might be what Chief Komali was referring to."
Zelda kept their pace slow and steady so as not to startle the horses with the sudden gusts of violent winds coming down the path from the Flight Range. Once she was close to the building that served as the entrance to the Flight Range, Zelda finally saw Revali and gasped.
He was kneeling near the edge of a cliff, panting heavily, but his determination was etched along every feather on his body.
Once more, another whirlwind appeared, taller than the ones Zelda had seen from a distance. It created an updraft powerful enough to launch Revali into the air from a standstill.
Revali flew up, high and higher, trying to stay within the center, but the buffeting winds grew ever more chaotic. He was violently pulled away from his intended flight path and was spun around within his turbulent creation before being tossed back towards the ground.
Zelda gasped again and dismounted. She ran to see if he was all right but stopped when he managed to stand on his own.
"Not enough," Revali growled to himself. "I must stay in the eye of the whirlwind… must push myself harder…"
As if sensing her presence, he turned around and spotted her.
"You know, Your Highness… it's rude to eavesdrop," Revali said. He took a fortifying breath and managed to stand straight.
Zelda found herself impressed, considering the violent fall he'd endured only moments before. She found herself wondering how many falls he had already sustained yet stood back up from.
"My apologies," she said. "I went to the village, and I was told I could find you here."
Revali turned around and eyed her. "You have need of me. To defeat Calamity Ganon. To slay the beast once and for all… It will be my great pleasure."
Zelda smiled. "Thank you, Revali. If we work together, I'm certain we'll be able to defeat—"
"However!" Revali shouted. He turned away from her and knelt once more. He created his whirlwind again and took to the sky. As before, the winds threatened to throw him back down again, but he flapped harder, shakily held his flight path, and pushed through until he was finally past the top of the whirlwind.
It was the first time a Rito had managed to take to the air without the need of an elevated position or running start.
He managed to launch himself into the air all by himself. Incredible.
Revali flew straight down, bow ready. He launched three bomb arrows at once, destroying three targets, before landing on his feet at the bottom of the canyon. Once again, he summoned his whirlwind and was airborne in moments. This time, he had no trouble with the winds at all, using them to soar all around the Flight Range, striking target after target with unerring accuracy.
At last, he landed gracefully on the platform above Zelda.
Grinning, he crowed, "I know I play the biggest part in helping that, ahem… that little knight with the darkness-sealing sword. Correct?"
And that is what we feared.
Revali shrugged to himself. "Well, if he loses his confidence after seeing me in action… don't come crying to me."
Zelda nodded as her mind warred over differing opinions. Ultimately, her father had said that he would be able to work with Revali if need be.
Revali's attitude certainly did border on arrogant, but his determination in the face of adversity had won her over.
That makes three. One left.
~o~O~o~
Central Hyrule – Hyrule Castle
The winter chill remained, though Nayru's season would begin soon, and with it came the promise of warming and wet weather. When Zelda entered her father's office, she found him scribbling away in his journal. She politely waited until he was done before speaking.
"You summoned me, Father?"
Rhoam nodded. "After deliberating for some time, I've decided on the final candidate. This might be the most difficult pilot to secure."
"Who is it?" Zelda asked.
"The crown princess of the Zora: Mipha," Rhoam answered.
"Oh," Zelda said. Her brows knitted together as she furiously thought about the political implications of asking a member of a royal family to pilot a Divine Beast. "Is there no one else?"
"I cannot rule out that there may be other candidates," Rhoam carefully said. "That being said, that will be one of your tasks. If you find someone else worthy to be the Zora pilot, return here and we shall discuss your potential candidate. If not, you must find a way to secure her help. Permission is paramount. We will not antagonize our allies."
"If I may ask, Father, why Princess Mipha?" Zelda asked.
"I sent Link to Zora's Domain some months ago with the task of finding a pilot," Rhoam said. "Princess Mipha was his choice. He is aware of the complications involved, but he was adamant. Auru and I have spoken at length about the Zora contestants in the Four Swords Tournament, some words with our ambassadors, and even other knights that are familiar with the Zora. As of yet, I have not seen anyone worthy."
"But you believe Princess Mipha is?"
"Link does," Rhoam said. "Travel to Zora's Domain and speak to her. Perhaps you will see what he saw in her."
~o~O~o~
Lanayru Province – Zora's Domain
"It's been some time since I've been here," Impa remarked.
Zelda shot her a look. "Why were you in Zora's Domain?"
Impa smiled. "Oh, for reasons. A little of this and a little of that."
The Zora leading them shot her a glance that bordered on suspicious.
"Oh, don't give me that look," Impa said with a small pout. "It was nothing nefarious. I mean, look at me! Innocent all around!"
Sergeant Seggin—a rather unfriendly Zora that had met up with them—was leading the way. His gaze lingered for a moment longer before facing forward. His movements were rigid for some reason, while the girls' pace was relaxed. By contrast, another Zora in their procession, Trello, was quite talkative and gave them a lovely tour as they trekked their way to Zora's Domain.
"Is there something wrong with the sergeant?" Impa whispered to Trello.
"He likes to march quickly," Trello murmured. "That being said, he's under strict orders from His Majesty that we are to accommodate Her Highness and her guests in every way conceivable and ensure your stay be as comfortable as possible."
Impa and Zelda shared a giggle, which they quickly stifled.
Zelda took the time to admire the Zora architecture. While not nearly as grandiose as Hyrule Castle, there was something about the flowing elegance of Zora's Domain that tickled her curiosity something fierce. She wanted to study some of the older monuments that Trello spoke of, and she made a mental note to revisit Zora's Domain when time allowed.
They were escorted directly to their rooms, where they cleaned themselves and were made presentable. They traveled light at Impa's insistence. Furthermore, Zelda was allowed to be a bit more lax in her appearance, since the humid environment of Zora's Domain would ruin any of her dresses. Still, she took the time to make sure she was presentable, as she represented Hyrule at the highest level.
"Need help with your hair?" Impa asked.
"Please," Zelda said.
While Impa worked, Zelda studied their reflections in the mirror. Despite wearing more functional clothing than her usual gowns, Zelda still had the appearance of royalty. By contrast, Impa looked positively mundane, if one didn't count the inherently unique white hair and red eyes. Yet despite their outward looks, Impa never seemed fazed at the finery around her at all, nor how out-of-place she looked among the high courts.
Zelda found herself a bit jealous of Impa's ability to shrug off such subtle scrutiny.
"All done," Impa said.
Standing up, Zelda checked her appearance once more and nodded in satisfaction. "Let us be off, then."
Zelda announced her readiness to meet King Dorephan and was promptly escorted to the throne room. She stood at the dais and bowed slightly at the king, while Impa knelt down.
A herald stepped forward. "Your Majesty King Dorephan, I present to you Her Highness, The Crown Princess of Hyrule Zelda and her guest, the Royal Advisor Impa of the Sheikah."
"Greetings, Princess Zelda," King Dorephan said. "I trust your journey was comfortable?"
"It was," Zelda answered. "And how of you, Your Majesty?"
"We are well, though there is a palpable tension in the air these days," King Dorephan said. "We thank you for informing us of the threat we face. Though he brought news of ill tidings, it heartened us all to see Sir Link once more."
Zelda smiled, more automatically than voluntarily. "Of course. Forgive me, Your Majesty, but may we speak in private?"
"But of course," King Dorephan said genially. "Perhaps over dinner?"
"That would be lovely, thank you," Zelda said. She looked around. "It has been so long since I've been back to Zora's Domain. Not since…"
When Zelda trailed off, King Dorephan's eyes softened. "Not since Her Majesty brought you here for my wife's funeral. You were very young."
"Princess…" Impa said. She placed a hand on Zelda's shoulder.
Zelda took a deep breath and smiled again. "My apologies. I did not mean to bring back such despondent memories."
King Dorephan smiled. "You did not. Please, take your time and enjoy what my realm has to offer. We shall send someone when dinner is ready."
"Father, if I may? I would not mind accompanying Princess Zelda and giving her a tour of our domain," Mipha said. "I'm sure Sidon would like to walk with us as well."
King Dorephan nodded. "As you like."
Zelda inclined her head. "Thank you, Princess Mipha. It would be my pleasure."
"I know my way around," Impa said. "I'll meet you tonight, then."
Letting Mipha lead the way, Zelda marveled over her good fortune. It was a little past midday, so there would be plenty of time to ask Princess Mipha if she would be amenable to becoming Vah Ruta's pilot. If she agreed, it would make securing King Dorephan's permission much easier.
For now, Zelda put aside her purpose to enjoy Zora's Domain and its people.
After half an hour, Mipha finished her tour and turned to Zelda expectantly.
"Shall we take a walk outside?" Mipha asked. "Sidon would like to stretch his legs, and it's such a lovely day outside. I suspect you would like to see Vah Ruta."
Zelda looked away shyly. "Was I that transparent?"
"What? Oh no, nothing like that," Mipha said, giggling. "I had thought you wanted to see the fruits of the Sheikah efforts as the Princess of Hyrule."
Now Zelda blushed. "Oh."
Mipha gently smiled and gestured to the east doors. "This way."
Zelda nodded and traveled alongside the siblings as they left Zora's Domain for the East Reservoir Lake.
~o~O~o~
Lanayru Province – Zora's Domain, East Reservoir Lake
"So this is Vah Ruta!" Zelda cried out in delight. "It matches the diagrams I've studied precisely!"
"Then you know more about her than I," Mipha said. "She's always appeared adorable to me."
Zelda glanced at Mipha before studying Vah Ruta again. "Oh, it does look rather cute, doesn't it?"
Mipha giggled and clapped her hands. "She does!"
Sidon, bored with their conversation, waddled to the water and jumped in.
"Stay in the water, Sidon," Mipha said. "Do not wander off."
Sidon nodded and started swimming.
Zelda watched him for a moment before returning her attention to Vah Ruta. "Oh, I would love a chance to study Vah Ruta…"
"Well, we are here," Mipha said, confused. "Why not take the opportunity?"
Zelda blushed again. "Oh, I didn't bring anything to wear for the water."
Mipha stifled her giggle. "I'm sorry. Your Hylian concepts of modesty still confuse me. There is no one here but us, and I would certainly not be offended if you were to disrobe. In fact, I would not mind carrying you to Vah Ruta if you like."
Blushing even harder and completely unable to do anything about it, Zelda shook her head and waved her hands awkwardly. "No, no, it's quite all right. I'm sure a more appropriate time to study Vah Ruta will present itself."
Though, if Zelda were to be completely honest with herself, the idea of sacrificing a little bit of personal dignity to study Vah Ruta was tempting. But her logical mind spoke of the logistics of it all. The conclusion?
She would study the internal mechanisms of Vah Ruta in the buff.
For an unknown period of time.
And there was no way to know if any other Zora would come to the East Reservoir Lake.
Stop it, Zelda. It's not worth it. It's not!
She would never live it down. Taking a deep breath, she smiled and nodded her head. "We shall have to schedule something."
Mipha nodded back. "If you are sure."
"I am." Zelda felt she hid her disappointment well. Instead, she stood on her tiptoes and tried to see Vah Ruta from all the angles she could. However, the stone platform they stood on offered a limited angle.
"If you would like, we can see Vah Ruta from above," Mipha said. She pointed to the top of the water with her trident. "There is a path we can take that will lead us above."
"Oh, that would be fantastic!" Zelda said. "Shall we?"
Mipha nodded and turned to the water. "Sidon! Remain here! Remember, do not wander!"
Satisfied that her orders were followed, Mipha led the way to the top of the reservoir. It wasn't an easy climb, but Zelda felt she could do it. Thankfully, the air was cool and crisp as the last vestiges of Farore's Season ebbed and the onset of Nayru's Season began.
Almost fifteen…
If there was anything she wished for her birthday, it would be that her powers would finally awaken. Something that would ease her father's fears, relieve her of her burdens, and finally grant the people some hope.
"..ight, Princess?"
Zelda snapped back to the present. "I'm sorry, what?"
"I asked if you were all right," Mipha said. "Is the climb too rough?"
"Oh, no," Zelda said. She was slightly winded but felt she could keep up. "I'm fine. Is it much further?"
"No, almost there. See?" Mipha pointed at the soft slope ahead. It curved slightly to the right, where Zelda could hear the rush of water as it fell into the reservoir below.
Five more minutes later, and Zelda took a deep breath. The scent of fresh spring water coupled with the green grass made the area perfect to sit and relax in. Perhaps even enjoy a picnic. She felt guilty that Impa wasn't with her to enjoy the scenic vista.
Looking down and minding her distance from the precipice, she could see Vah Ruta clearly and marveled over its—her—construction.
Once again, her passionate curiosity warred with her logical sensibilities over studying Vah Ruta.
It's not worth it. There will be time. I will make time.
She desperately wished her powers would manifest so that she could spend less time trying and more time studying.
"Wondrous view, is it not?" Mipha asked.
"It is, it truly is," Zelda murmured. "I don't mean Vah Ruta, either. I can see the whole of Zora's Domain from here. Thank you, Princess."
Mipha bowed her head. "It is my pleasure."
Zelda allowed herself a few more minutes of peace before the mantle of princess settled onto her shoulders once more. "Princess Mipha… there is something of great importance I would like to speak to you about."
A bit startled by the sudden change in atmosphere, Mipha tilted her head and silently urged Zelda to continue.
"As you know, we have been searching for individuals worthy to pilot the Divine Beasts," Zelda said. "We have deemed that you carry all the characteristics that we seek in our pilots. On behalf of His Majesty King Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule, we officially request your help against Calamity Ganon as the pilot for Vah Ruta."
"Me?" Mipha asked.
Zelda solemnly nodded.
Mipha looked uncertain. She walked up to the precipice, far closer than Zelda would dare to stand, and gazed upon Vah Ruta down below.
"I know this is sudden, but I would like your answer before speaking to your father," Zelda gently said.
Mipha didn't answer immediately. Instead, she fiddled with her trident and focused her gaze on Vah Ruta. Zelda remained silent and gave Mipha her space.
"So, Princess… May I ask who the other chosen pilots are?" Mipha suddenly asked.
"Goron vigilance, Daruk. Rito confidence, Revali. Gerudo spirit, Urbosa. And also…" Zelda answered. She faltered, and her smile slipped when she recalled who the last person was. Her answer came out quickly, as if she needed to get it out before she could think about it any further than she had to. "… the Hylian with the sword that seals the darkness."
Mipha looked at the ground. Unlike Zelda, she was smiling. "Link."
Zelda couldn't even muster a nod.
"Oh…" Mipha looked over the waterfall and saw that Sidon was still swimming below. "Sidon! Hurry and swim up here!"
"Mipha…" Zelda said. She looked down at the massive height and mentally, almost instinctively, calculated the distance. "Perhaps he is still too young to swim up this big waterfall."
Mipha met Zelda's eyes. "One day, Princess… I must leave him… to face my fate with Ruta."
With her answer given as the Zora pilot, Mipha leapt from the precipice.
Zelda had seen Zora dive before, but it was always breathtaking to watch.
Mipha pirouetted in the air before easily riding the waterfall all the way to the pool below. A quick dive, and she was in the water next to Sidon. Zelda was too far away to hear what was being exchanged, but in short order, Mipha was swimming back up the waterfall, with little Sidon on her back.
The Zora were renowned as graceful swimmers, but Mipha seemed to be in a class of her own. And her speed was astonishing. When she reached the top, she almost seemed to be flying. With precision and poise, she flipped in the air, carrying Sidon all the while, until she landed neatly on her feet. Sidon hopped away, still upright and grinning widely.
Mipha knelt down and cupped Sidon's face until he was looking directly into her eyes.
"Sweet Sidon. Should fate ever part us…" Mipha said softly, "I'm counting on you to protect our beloved home from harm. Understood?"
Sidon nodded once, firmly and resolutely.
Mipha smiled and nodded back. "I believe in you."
Watching the touching scene, Zelda felt incredibly nosy and intrusive, but for the life of her, she could not look away.
Mipha's smile took on a more playful look. "Now, shall we try one more time?"
Sidon grinned widely, baring all of his teeth, and gave what Zelda recognized as a traditional knight's salute.
Mipha laughed at the adorable sight, causing Sidon to laugh, too.
When Mipha stood up and faced her, Zelda shook her head, predicting what was coming. "No apologies necessary," Zelda said. "Please, go ahead."
Mipha smiled in gratitude. She took Sidon's hand, and they dove down together. Within mere minutes, Mipha was back up once again with Sidon in tow. The young prince was laughing the entire way.
"Thank you for your patience," Mipha said softly.
"You speak about the task with such… gravitas," Zelda said. She found herself a bit envious of her fellow princess.
Mipha took a deep breath and looked into Zelda's eyes. "During his last visit, Link was my trainer in trident combat. He pointed out that to fight, I require ferocity. To do what he does… what all of you must do, I have to give my all. In order to protect Zora's Domain and Hyrule, I shall not hold back."
At that moment, Zelda knew they had their fourth pilot.
Mipha stroked the top of Sidon's head before looking at Zelda from the corner of her eye. "If I may ask, why request me? What of Link's candidate?"
Zelda tilted her head. "You are his candidate."
"I am?" Mipha asked in surprise.
"You did not know?" Zelda asked.
Mipha shook her head. "He was very secretive about it."
"May I ask why?"
"He said he did not want the attitudes of the potential candidates to change if they were aware of why he was here," Mipha answered. "He spent time among our guard, but I had no idea that he was considering nominating me as well."
"I understand that he trusts you," Zelda said. "It is likely why he selected you."
"We are friends," Mipha said.
Zelda noted that Mipha was blushing a little. "I see. Well, our next step will be to secure King Dorephan's blessing before we can proceed."
Mipha nodded. "I cannot say how well he may take this appointment. We should expect resistance to the idea."
Zelda knew her smile didn't reach her eyes. "If it were easy, we would not worry so much, would we?"
"Very true," Mipha said. She grasped Sidon's hand. "Come, then. Our first task awaits us."
~o~O~o~
Author's Notes:
Yes, I took a name from Genshin Impact. Names are hard, so don't be surprised if I 'borrow' some from other properties.
Don't judge me too harshly.
