Author's note Despite the frequent use of Hero to denote a bearer of the Master Sword this is not a Dragon Quest fanfic I just remembered that Hyrule Historia differentiated the Links through hero titles. This Chapter is kind of long feel free to break it up by reading each test separately.
Disclaimer characters, objects, scenarios, races, and world belong to Nintendo the owners of the Legend of Zelda IP. This is an unlicensed work and is meant for those who played the memorable game/s that inspired it.
Gigantic Optimism Chapter VIII Sidon's Three Tests
"Next time I will ride the horse, and you can walk by yourself if I have to get you a mount maybe a Lynel could carry you. It would have to be pretty strong even for a Lynel. To carry your gigantic eugh!" Baz grips his now sore arm trying to massage some feeling back into it." "I am a lot bigger now so if I hit you too hard I just am not used to my own strength." "After a hundred years Sidon,I think you would be used to it by now." The two began to laugh clear and long their sides rising and falling, their gills flapping wondering why the lungs were not getting much air. It had been a fun trip for the two companions this tussle being just the latest in a series of gags and banter. The entire first hour of the trip had been a debate on what would the horse in front of them do if they both used a sonar click. "They are all gone now you do not have to act so tired they bought it and went on ahead." "Sidon my friend, who said I was acting I am tired! and I did want to look at the land bridge." "I want to go over our plan, for choosing the champion I was thinking three tests then…" "We choose the best one brilliant." A half smile version of the famous Sidon grin came out, after Baz's interruption not at all diminished by its lack of the big zora's full array of teeth. "I want to test them on three things combat potential, swimming ability, and uh heart." Rising to his feet the smaller zora wonders aloud. "Do you mean guts, trust, perseverance, I need more to work with than heart."
Large footsteps could be heard Sidon was pacing and a lot of twigs in the vicinity ceased to exist. " It is odd I know none of the other champions would bother with it." Some more pacing and then, "Maybe it is a weird thing to ask I really need the next champ to believe in and want to protect others like sis." Drawing close enough to lay his hand on Sidon's shoulder the "brigade" leader began, "I understand it seems unfair to hold them to your sister's behavior and if the Rito had waited for someone as arrogant as Rivali they would still be looking. But, I think kindness helps a warrior show restraint and makes their bond with their comrades stronger. I think we can test it though something that requires teamwork." Putting his arm on his volunteer's shoulder Sidon steered them into town. " Come on I know what we will have them do first first."
The next morning the two members of the champion selection committee are in the midst finishing up their plans for the rest of that week, Baz was visiting the zora prince at the lobby of the Tarry Town inn as the zora-guardsman was dwelling with his relatives for the entirety of his stay. Any passerby would hear the itinerary for the week given out with much detail and would have seen Baz receiving his duties with a soldier's customary expedient obedience. "The mayor has given us use of the school yard for any of our drills provided they take place after school." Glancing at the document of applicants the zora bit his lip, and performed a mental head count before finishing. "I want you to find nine stout wood poles as close to quarter staves as possible." At this point Sidon spread his fins apart to show the length he needed for the practice weapons Bowing sarcastically to better frame his answer Baz pitched his voice higher "Sure thing Champion sir, I will get some extras too." Dropping down to his normal register and resuming a upright position the jokester went on. "Will we have a classroom today for the first test like you mentioned yesterday?" "Yes, we still need a location for the swimming trial I want you to scout Akala sea I have sea charts that will be helpful in that regard. It is a shame the lake is smaller than I was led to believe." The mayor had assured prince Sidon that her town could meet all of his conditions. To be fair to the mayor a zora swimming exercise requires a lot more space than one, for any other race. The last thing they decided was to break the combat section into two parts.
Because the majority of the hopefuls had just turned 17, they were in their last year of school so the cadets the term Baz occasionally used for the group, met after school. Those who were working had changed their schedules to accommodate this. Dorado for example now got up earlier to do inventory each morning before a shift on the Gentle Breeze. Once school let out and all nine participants were gathered, if one can call various groups of two nervously arguing about what the champion is like while the ninth stands awkwardly to the side a gathering. Dorado recognized his peers or more accurately those of the applicants that had also graduated with him.
One of the four groups of two, familiar to the vendor's son were Craddison and Torrison two of the few zoras able to work for Orson Construction, they had gotten jobs clearing woods and logging directly after graduating being two of the bigger zora in the area. They were both pretending not to notice Dorado and had suddenly shifted their discussion topic. "Look Torrison practice staves, I do not think they would mind us going at it a little early I could probably show Dodo a thing or two." On cue Torrison the smaller of the two offered his contribution, "I doubt Dodo has the guts to show today so we can just wait." Like usual the two just threatened being openly hostile towards specifically Dorado yet, ineffective it had been this way since the pair had graduated and the two persecutors had become coworkers and good friends.
"ATTENTION!" playing at being a general since before all his teeth had come in gave Baz an advantage when it came to certain leadership attributes, such as yelling, drilling, and his personal favorite delegating menial and unpleasant tasks to a subordinate. He was happy to have subordinates again his years of service in the Zora gaurds still failing at providing the one thing all rank and file soldiers desire a command. Thus, this shout was full of the joy and relish of a man engaging in one of his favorite past times. Lining up the hopefuls suddenly had staves in hand they appeared seemingly out of the air much like a un-camouflaged Lizalfos and in some cases received welcomes similar to what the reptilian beasts would have received. A few started to flourish the weapons it was a collective mistake, "You cannot swing your weapon until you know how to hold it. You cannot hold it until you know what it is recruit what are you holding?" projected Baz his voice softening without losing its volume. "A staff?" the reply was met with a demonstration of the proper way to hold a staff, every recruit was asked this question verbatim, Dorado and his two tormentors were the last group in line so they waited patiently, there was a female zora who was beside the tarpaulin clad Dorado. She broke the unwavering answer of staff and declared, " I am holding a spear sir," she was rewarded with a nod and a different grip technique. Mimicking her example Dorado claimed his staff was a beautiful trident as he had occasionally used one while fishing with Aliquis at an estuary that supplemented their usual catch. Not to be outdone Craddison's piece of wood promptly became an axe suiting the woodcutter's strengths, while Torrison went with a harpoon knowing that Prince Sidon himself used one or more accurately two.
Next the recruits were instructed to hold their weapons out before them and subsequentially drilled on their poor form once their weary arms began to droop. This continued just long enough for Sidon to have set up a room for the first test. Baz Collected the staves, sent the relieved youths into the school, and then left to scout Akala sea for a suitable setting for test two before the group awaited Sidon's orders in order to commence with test one, many of the inhabitants of the school marveling at the big prince. Cradisson and Torrison the biggest members of the group were feeling like two stags who believed they were lords of the woods and then encountered a bear for the first time.
Some heard the recently departed instructor whistle an old marching tune, (his favorite as a child and thus the Big Bad Baz Brigade's unofficial theme song) as he moved on to his next task keeping it up until he reached the ocean, the assembled young zora did not know this though for he was out of their earshot long before he stopped whistling.
Now at the head of the classroom Sidon gently, dexterously, shoved the teacher's desk out from the wall taking his place behind the comparatively tiny wooden structure, his maneuvers having put him farther away from the wall then he would like, the Champion corrected this by lifting the desk pulling it toward him with a breezy motion. Having observed these antics some of the prospective champions smirked at their elder's awkwardness, others gasped among those were Caddison and Torrison both woodworkers' well aware how unwieldy and heavy that desk was. Two spectators were puzzled Dorado, and a still in school blue female zora unsure what to make of this massive red fighter who had utilized such vigor and strength in merely avoiding scratching the floor or bumping the wall with great care. This scene took mere moments but, being the first interaction between these people it soon became the foundation of their understanding of one another. The desk at last placed in its desired location allows Sidon to take his papers out of the desk and wave the students to their nine desks, which are spaced far enough away from the other workstations to prevent one seated at a desk from looking at the work of another contestant.
The articulate voice of Sidon filled the room he introduced himself, the papers rustling and seeming more like a prop than the tests they would soon become. "I thank you for your willingness to serve the home of your people in a dangerous capacity no, the most dangerous capacity you can. This job is in direct opposition to the aims of a man, a former man who has brought this land to ruin several times over." A grimace was spreading over the usually placid features of the speaker. "In my lifetime he has returned twice and on that first occasion his minions simultaneously slaughtered four of Hyrule's greatest warriors of the time and I would say of all time, without suffering a single casualty." His gaze began to wander around the room settling on the zora furthest from him the champion warned, "what I am about to say will not be repeated by you to anyone I only do so because you need to understand the job and hearing it from me should enable your comprehension of the risks involved." Nine heads nodded brusquely, and he finished the story.
"Those champions did not just die their spirits remained tethered to their divine beasts for a hundred years wallowing in regret, yet willing to finish the mission." "Ghosts!?" uttered a startled student. If you doubt my tail Sidon acknowledged the surprised exclamation remember that the Successors were not trained on the divine beasts until after Gannon was defeated that is because the originals possessed the weapons and fired them. The Hero of Hyrule told me that himself which is why I have not found a replacement till now this job is one of the biggest responsibilities in Hyrule third to only the chosen hero and the Goddesses' descendant. If you sign your name to this paper after using it for the first test I will expect all of you to give everything to this duty until your spirit rests, you pass the mantle to a suitable replacement or I dismiss you from the program. If you will not sign leave now. One chair scratched the floor as one left none of the remaining eight hopefulls glanced towards the departing figure they saw Sidon's understanding look tinged with disappointment and all seated returned that gaze determined to stay. "Good I should say that the second encounter with Gannon went well almost perfectly so, but you need to remember the others who were prepared to a greater extent than my colleagues and I, yet those original four met with tragedy." Setting one paper on his borrowed desk the Champion passed out the slightly diminished pile of papers.
"The first test is a logic problem how you solve it is up to you and there are multiple answers. I am more concerned with what the solution says about your priorities in dangerous situations, the first sheet has your prompt the other is for your answer. Sign your name and turn it in when you finish." Before Sidon could tack on the usual request for questions to his instructions a hand shot up "will there be a time limit your highness?" "No, I have no other plans and I want you all to give me complete honest answers, however before you leave you must turn in the paper." Punctuating each of the last few words with a jab of his clawed finger. Seeing no more raised hands Sidon allowed them to start.
You the other three champions, and the bearer of the Sword that Seals the Darkness are at the base of a mountain set to meet Princess Zelda who is at the top of the mountain at a holy site. The Rito spots thick black curling smoke at the mountain peak, suddenly a fire erupts in woods located at the mountain base. This fire bars the mountain's main entrance The goron rolls up the mountain fire not affecting him the Rito grabs the gerudo and flies her up to the peak leaving you and the Hylian warrior at the foot of the mountain. Devise a way to get yourself and the other champion around or through the fire to the top to help the others. There is fast flowing river that passes the mountain and no monsters around, the Hylian does have his fabled sword but you have no other tools. One cliff side of the mountain is reachable, but it is a near sheer rock face. The other champions are occupied with trying to reach Zelda and will not come back for either of you.
"It is certainly a puzzler" thought Dorado he reread the prompt tarrying over the terrain descriptions and underlining the sentence mentioning the Hero's sword as a tool. "That must mean I can use that to put out the fire but how can a sword do that? Scurt! Dorado and some others turn at the scraping noise and see a blue, lady zora hand in her paper in the quiet room Sidon's whispered thanks is clearly audible and Dorado notes that her name is Shalsis. Calmly adjusting his tarpaulin cloak the brown Zora turns back to his notes. Another odd detail observed by the part time fisherman was the unsasalible cliff "Wait that's not what it says maybe I cannot climb it but can Link? Even if he can I would need a rope to reach him." Discarding this idea he missed Shalsis' top scoring solution which was to have the Hylyian carry her up the hypothetical cliff side the pair could reach. Knowing she like most zora was a poor climber due to their claws slipping off most rock faces the young one had recalled the last hero's legendary climbing skill and utilized that fact to solve the conundrum quickly.
Cradling his face in his fins Dorado's thoughts mull over the special properties of the Goddesses' blade "It can send a pulse of energy, slay evils, is only wielded by Hylia's chosen it glows, and it can slice through most things. I do not see the use in those traits there are no monsters and nothing to cut." Here the two woodsmen disagreed and remembered the burning woods assuming not all trees were aflame in the scenario they each cut one down, Cradd to build a ladder lashed together with the champion cloaks to scale the cliff, Torrison crafting a boat if the teller is generous a fallen log if the speaker is uncharitable. After these two solutions with a third contestant in between the two pals half the Zora were left.
Dorado's paper detailing the problem is in disarray many notes and scribbles helping him near his unique solution the train of thought that carries the young zora along is why were the champions mentioned? They could be left out of the scenario and the situation was the same. "They have to be clues first the goron uses his innate fire proofing unique to his race, Then the rito flys out the Gerudo again something only he/she can do. What is my unique ability? Reasoned Dorado mutely grasping the answer. "Swimming!" I tell the Hylian to get on my back and carry him through the river to a second entrance." First using the glow of the sword to check under the water for caves. Dorado beamed at the simple answer written on his second sheet glad that the Rito carrying the Gerudo had suggested the plan to him. Scanning over the riddle he noted that "main entrance" meant there was a side or back entrance and surely "Around" referred to bypassing the fire via the river signing his name the proud zora left his chair. One of the other hopefuls turned in the assignment directly ahead of Dorado. As they headed for the door one of the test takers flung it open leaving with out finishing. Sidon would soon disqualify one of the continuing writers after receiving his answer deeming it incorrect due to no cooperation present with the Hero. Teamwork and understanding of other races ostensibly the traits, the administrator is interested in. Thus, six remained for the next test.
The next day the remnant of the champion candidates met at the schoolyard directly after the class of Hylians Zora and Rito dismissed for the day. Baz joins them whistling another peppy marching tune after a few short thrills the drill instructor trailed off " "Learned that one from a stable hand visiting Zora domain he claimed it was a hatching song for cukoos but it is obviously a marching tune." Torreson raised his hand "Sir, what is the domain like." "Have none of the zora told you youngsters about the Domain?"Raising an eyebrow he awaited Toreson's response after a couple of awkward seconds the instructor nodded giving the recruit permission to speak. "Yes, but those accounts are about how it was 70 years ago surely it has changed since then is it still beauti…ful" Torreson's voice had grown hoarse over the course of this statement resulting in his voice cracking on the second syllable of beautiful. Baz is looking down careful to give the youth some time to hide his discomfort hoping it looked like he was deliberating on a answer. "It is still gorgeous very little has changed physically we spent a long time making the domain the glowing architectural beacon it is. There was a statue going up when I left but, that is the only difference now. "Tarry town has certainly changed though I noticed a shuttered building on my way in what is its story. Now it was Cradd's turn that is Grante's weapon shop he left to take care of his dad a long time ago, he asked the mayor's office to collect his gear and he lives in at the weapons lab." Dorado barely got in line before they began marching, he had been too busy wondering how Craddison knew about the old weapons master for he had left 60 years ago. They marched down to the far end of the field where the young wood clearers had set up six fallen trees for the recruits to practice on.
Each log is standing upright apart from the others in a line allowing Baz a convenient, and easy approach to the would be warriors. Five short shallow gouges the only marks on the practice targets each to represent four limbs and a head. Explaining that these wooden soldiers would be there companions for two days as Sidon needed the time to prepare a site for the next test. In between thrusts Dorado hears some of a conversation between the two who had spoken earlier.
"I have to see it myself Cradd this is my one shot I am going to win this." Craddison looked over to the woodcutters axe he still had on his person in a sling from their shift that day then he swung hard Thunk-thud! This noise grabs Dorado's attention he looks for the source the log is now on the ground and the training staff had splintered.
The second day of sparring that precedes the second test is uneventful suffice to say each recruit improved slightly and Baz was satisfied Sidon too was pleased with the status report given at their evening meeting, the participants were just glad to have the following afternoon off to prepare for the second task which would take place the following evening.
Thwack! Ow that stings ducking under the table he made a blind grab for his still wiggling meal the clamminess of the fish almost caused the hungry zora to drop his catch. Recovering his grip he bit into the vigorous but conquered fish. " That was not worth it" said the irritated fisherman as he viewed his reflection in a looking glass that was on display in the storefront one of his facial scales had shorn off from the rest from the hearty Bass' tale strike, the pain was gone it had reminded him of being stuck with a needle. Having helped his mother mend the occasional garment for the shop that was a familiar feeling. "Mom, she will worry either way but, I think I would rather tell her I got the injury at the test." Leaving a note that explained his absence through the easy excuse of going for a walk Dorado left the shop and entered town. Once there he headed for Grante's shed and peered inside through a hole in one of the boards something was odd about the furniture in the dark cluttered abode, "it's mostly bookshelves not weapon racks." This was the first observation made by the zora wondering why a smith needed so many books that his home resembled a library rather then a else caught the trespasser's attention and he left the settlement altogether.
Dorado was the first to arrive at the beach for the test " I really should have come here more as a kid." He was not looking forward to the test ever since Baz had informed the group it would take place in the sea Dorado had regretted prioritizing the lake over the sea, currents waves and tide would make this a rigorous task for the lake loving zora. It was getting dark and torches were shining brightly on the curved downward spiral into the sea "It would not of helped Mom never would have let me swim there as a kid" finished Dorado correctly guessing the site of the course.
Sidon was heaving two posts in postion for a starting line hands on his knees gulping air like it was a zora delicacy. "Baz would have delegated that" Sidon nodded agreeing with himself "I always get carried away." This whole enterprise was a product of that tendency to try his own hand at exciting ventures like the time as a lad he had tried to fight monsters himself. Sidon inspired by his talk with the fascinating Karlovaa had asked Riju who had met him shortly before he left Hyrule castle to see him off, how the racers were selected for the sandseal circuit "We use time trials we set up a course agree on a minimum time and eliminate those that fail to make it if too many qualify we shave some time off and try again." If Riju saw the results of that answer she would have apologized to Sidon's soon to be victims. Some blame does go to Baz who picked the course but, Sidon had hoped for this spot in particular. Recovering his second wind the Champion dove off the cliff the expert aerial maneuver lessening the impact's force. Swimming over to Baz Sidon glided through the ocean to his good friend. "I was just leaving for the buoy." This assertion was to reassure the prince that Baz had remembered to borrow one from the Tarry Town harbor master. "Good I cannot wait this will be a glorious contest." Remarked the prince through his glistening teeth. "Why are you always this excited my lord? You should be exhausted yet you are as fresh as my last fish." "I was always getting left behind Baz, I was the youngest except for Link, but he outgrew me so quickly I began to rush through life I never really stopped." Here ended the conversation the two had work to do.
"Here is your equipment a luminous stone necklace and two small bags of sand on this cord." Hug the coastline follow the torches along the land after leaving this alcove you must reach a spot south of here with a buoy set directly across from Tarry town and return in ten minutes or you are eliminated. If none of you do it in the time allotted we will simply pick the fastest time . And lastly you alone will know your time after you finish leave, go rest up." Sidon finishes his instructions and motioned over Torrison than the prince lined up the rest Dorado directly behind him the brown one was going second. Torrison was fast his hobby was swimming it helped him relax after felling trees and unlike most present that day he prefers the sea. He was gone in a matter moments making excellent time out of the spiral. When he returned a few minutes later he is riding on top of the waves leaving a wake . "Well done Torrison congratulated Sidon unable to hide his enthusiasm for the qualifying time, the hopefuls clapped politely. "I have to give it my all, my time may need to stand if we all finish." Dorado looked back at the subjects of his musings and debated removing the cloak it could drag behind and might snag. Deciding against it in favor of decorum he signaled to Sidon he was ready. "Go!" projects the adult zora Dorado runs into the water dives, kicks, and strokes moving completely under the water grateful for his necklace its light helping substantially. Krill tiny crabs, darting, fish, and much more meets Dorado's ever tilted forward gaze. His leg fins tightened up Dorado increased his speed rising every so often to check for his course there was the marker! As he rounded it he gave a final burst of speed it was risky it was half the distance and this was top acceleration he had to last long enough to finish. Soon Dorado was going into the curve he slows considerably managing to stay on the inside with a last urging of his muscles he jumps and lands on the shore curled in a ball his legs cramping. Some scattered clapping and the hobbling figure removes the sandbags and necklace the reduced weight improving his gait, heads for Mendo's Market unsure how he had performed. Sidon turned quickly concern on his face rushing over he says rapidly "you qualified." Then the Prince returns and waves on the next competitor.
Baz sits underneath the floating buoy waiting for one of the two remaining Zora females in the competition this one with gray scales as she comes into view, she suddenly ascends swimming on top of the water. It was a quick glimpse Baz knew something was off with her he surfaced looking for an explanation for her brief panicked movements as she surfaced. Instead he felt her zip by him spray everywhere as she trailed into the distance the wind whipping the sand bags. Baz began to pursue her "I have to be sure but, I hope I am wrong." He kept within the zora-guard trailing distance covertly following her. There was too much displaced water he could not see her clearly, she must have dived. "Wake the Windfish! I will have to wait till she lands." He did not want to cause a scene he had to though.
"She beat my time!" The prince was shocked this was the fastest time by far she had done it in six and a half minutes. She looked fresh as the gray Zora came in He brought Craddison up to the starting line. "Heeeyyyy! Your Highneesss" Baz came into view "Wait, permission to check the sandbags sir." " They looked light" he whispered as he drew near to his prince. Subsequently the self-proclaimed brigade leader opened the bags they were full Baz reached in lifted a handful of sand it was pure white in color and fine. Sidon came over to his assistant looking at the sand "Looks full to me let her go Baz" the wink that followed this order eased Baz's mind and he walk ed over to the makeshift starting line by the shrine. " We will now take a short break since this is the half way point we will resume when Baz and I return."
"You were right Baz," Sidon's shoulders slumping his head fin drooping after this confession. "At least you listened to me my liege" layering a fake cheerfulness Baz tries to keep the tone light. She had cheated by emptying the bags off course and refilling them. Due to a precation proposed by Baz her duplicity had been uncovered. Orriginally the bags were filled with dark brown coarse sand taken from the bottom of Tarry Town lake not the white fine sand presumably from the seafloor they returned with. "That was a good precaution I was too trusting my friend the next test will have no way for them to cheat" Determination emanated from the tilt of the head the shaking of his red fist. "Why did you let her go sir?" Baz did not understand why such anger and resolve had not resulted in a confrontation. "We cannot prove she did it she can claim one of the others filled the bags. And I do not want to ruin her with an unprovable accusation she is young we should keep that in mind." "Fine but we cannot let her move on what do we do.?" "Tell her if she leaves the competition then she shall not be publicly accused." Saluting Baz left for his former position in the Akkala sea.
Craddison went last and was the second slowest barely making the time limit. After him a male zora he did not know, failed the test at least judging by the crestfallen face of the swimmer. "Next is the combat trial none of the others stand a chance and it's the most important part every champion was a great warrior." With similar arguments Cradd justified his poor showing and was soon in town. Retiring for the night he was hoping the no good fisherman had been eliminated. Before drifting off a new thought came to the bully, "It would be more fun to eliminate him myself."
At the school yard in the morning there were six Zora gathered the two instructors Torrison, Craddison, Dorado, and Shalsis. They were the last four and Sidon was hoping for a good end as going by the events each was tied Dorado and Torrison having come in first and second respectively with Shalsis and Craddison performing the same feat in the first event. Baz was setting up the practice dummies as usual, Sidon heard a comment from one of the four competitors "May the best Zora win." It was the reply which caught Sidon's attention the initial remark registering as nothing but, trite sportsmanship. "For the good of Hyrule I hope the best one wins."
The contestants stroll to where Baz is standing each is placed in front of a practice dummy and given their own authentic weapon of choice Sidon blindfolds each finalist the instructions are simple perform the drill of the week while wearing the eye covering in one attempt. The scores are as follows five correct hits for Craddison, Four for Torrison, Shalsis and Dorado with three each. After a tie breaker results between the bottom two Shalsis improvs to four and Dorado stagnates at three though he misses two different blows on the second attempt when compared to the first. Sidon collects the weapons, the blindfolds come off. "You will be allowed to keep your armaments as a reminder of your placement no matter the outcome." Baz feels the need to clarify here, "You are all still novices and real sparring should be with blunt weapons for now. An oath will be required before you have full possession." There is a tear in Craddison's eye he blinks it away.
"Will Craddison and Dorado approach the ring the bout goes until one blow has been scored on every appendage just as in our training exercise if a combatant is deemed to be prolonging the fight without purpose, I will end the bout." The chopping motion Baz arm makes as he claims this illustrates his zeal for a good scrape. "No shots to previous wounds or sensitive areas " Sir if I am struck in my injured scale I ask that it count because it is on one of my opponents point winning areas." "Very well Dorado, if you insist you will both commence on my whistle" Baz concedes acquiescing to his petition.
Pheet! He had expected a flurry of blows an exchange Sidon instead is met with a series of faints and evasive movements neither combatant having been in a fight they were unsure how to begin "Nothing to worry about eventually one will accidentally hit the other" sniggered the Prince of the domain "sometimes he really did act like a little kid. After a couple minuets Sidon thinks "maybe, a timer would have been beneficial." As he formed the sentence in his head Craddison scored rushing forward he performs a short jab at the head of Dorado who jumps and dodges to the right the strike glancing off the brown arm instead of his face. Feeling a sense of urgency Dorado swipes at the knee with a quick counter strike. Landing the blow Dorado jumps back avoiding Cradd's own counter attempt. From this point on Cradd became aggressive and Dorado became evasive. Sidon could tell the brown Zora was favoring his unmarked hand switching to a one-handed style completely "Baz did not teach him that" coincidentally Baz is making the same assessment as his lord. The logger unlike his smaller adversary is following Baz's lessons and if given an axe instead of his staff his technique would be the same. Wide sweeping swings aimed at the head, Dorado crouching aims for the other leg he is intercepted with an overhead chop Cradd finally hits the head but, traded for a blow on the leg. Said leg raises and Cradd's big knee slams into the fisherman's chest lifting him away from the action.
A picture of a bashed in head came to Sidon's mind "That is why the weapons are not real and this fight takes into account hits rather than fatal injuries it is about potential now not killing power." Turning his attention back to the fight the bigger trainee taunts the downed zora. "This is how I do my own thing I like weapons I like fighting you will finally have to do what someone else wants Dodo stay down!" The "axe" performs another over head chop for both legs a decisive hit, from his knees Dorado stabs the exposed armpit hard before the weaopon comes down driving his oppent back while scoring. Dorado runs to the right clutching his side keeping his staff angled down to block any attempts on his legs. Limping forward the injured fighter approaches slowly, resolvedly, "You do not have to collect wood just because of your name but, Now I get why Torrison calls you Cradd." This confuses the hulking axe weilder he never sees the blow right at his head dazed from the impact his grip loosens Dorado is there wresting the weapon from Cradd he delivers the final blow."
The next two fighters, Shalsis and Torrison enter the ring "Hold on you two, Dorado go have the doctor look at you that was a nasty head wound. Actually, Baz you go with him I will judge it." Why don't I take him, sir I should probably get checked out anyways?" Sidon allowed Cradd to escort the patient. "Surprising he does not want to see his friend's match." Aloud he uttered "You two may begin when Baz signals, my apologies for the interruption." Pheet! Shalsis immediately leaps forward with a large thud her weapon contacts with Torrison's leg. She blocks his attempt at retaliation and presses her attack Sidon senses a pattern, "Once he realizes what she is doing this will be entirely different."
At this stage it became a five-part series of blows with five blocks then she feints whacking the arm holding the weapon. When looking back Torrison always mentally kicked himself for dropping his weapon for once he did it was over. Three strikes later Baz stops the fight declaring Shalsis the winner. "How are you that good you, must have had weapons training?!" snarled the upset, irate loser. She nods "Well Dad did serve in the first calamity with Princess Mipha." Sputtering in disbelief eyes narrowed in rage Torrison is flabbergasted. "Easy lad quit staring at her like she is a rampaging cucco." Baz once again trying some levity Plenty of young zora served then there was a lot of fighting monsters were a constant threat, the domain needed a lot of capable finss" Baz go see how our patients are doing if Dorado is released we can continue after a meal. I will keep miss Shalsis company." "Speaking of company which one was your father in my dear?" Sidon smiling at his word play waits for an answer with a slight frown she gives one. "I do not know the only stuff he talks about from back then is your sister and what was pertinent to basic weapon training. Do You want to ask him your highness? He lives around the corner I am sure we can all stop there I can watch for Baz while you both discuss." Unable to come up with any objection Sidon concurs with the soldier's daughter. "That sounds delightful lead the way." Meanwhile Baz is running to the doctor's house Torrison having sulkily given directions "So that's how she knew that old weapon gag none of this year's guard recruits figured it out after all or maybe she is just that smart. Those recruits were not very bright " As he finishes Second guessing his unspoken monologue he reaches his destination. Dorado walks out of the dwelling at nearly the same time feeling like, his usual self. "Quick to the school it is time to win a championship!"
The house the two zora find themselves in is small a single floor dwelling hewn of rock yet, the walls are painted and cheerful the furniture is appropriately sized, practical, and functional. No ornamentation on the walls no art. After adding each part together, the place becomes cozy. "Come in, Come in," greeting his guests the sky blue zora vigorously rams the door closing it behind them "Sorry the door sticks" Neezu is the name a pleasure to meet you your highness." Says Shalsis' father "Please sir tell me your story you served with my sister." Sidon returns the bow as he speaks rushing to hear more about Mipha. "Very well I was stationed on the domain perimeter for the days leading up to the calamity. There was a Bokoblin camp near there we were attacked frequently after healing us a few times she led us into the place and protected us while we set up an explosive barrel. It was a sight to behold her against six at a time. Well we blew the place and Mipha always made sure we were safe after that."
"Sounds like her I see why you encouraged Shalsis to apply for the position." Turning from the window the subject of their conversation disagreed, "He did not encourage me I just looked up to her and if you believe in me, and choose me master Sidon I think she would too." Shaking his head it was Sidon's turn to disagree "That was what was so great about her she believed in everyone even me when I could barely swim." "He's right she believed in the domain guards even when we were losing badly." Assented Neezu "I believe in you Shalsis. Give me a hug" they embrace in front of the window Neezu facing the viewpoint. "Ah it seems your friends are back time to go." Pulling away the zora wiped his eye. "Yes Neezu it is time for us to go, including you. If that is agreeable to both of you?" Without a word they exited together onward to the school.
"Ugh he is going to try another speech" Baz whispers to Neezu once they were on the school grounds "How can you tell?" Baz taps his temple knowingly "The prince has an easy tell he is not in front of us that means he is distracted, with such long legs he only falls behind if he is focused." Looking carefully at Sidon the retiree decides the guardsman might have a point "I need to say a few words before we do this, You have both come so far, that only three hits are needed no leg shots that is all." A nasally laugh slips from the elder zora at Baz's expense. "Baz does my daughter's opponent usually fight, with a single hand trident grip?" Receiving a nod Neezu expounds on the question, "I remember seeing a picture of a one handed trident technique among Grante's things, being one of the only weapons experts in town I was offered the chance to see them at town hall shortly after settling here you should teach the kid that he looks pretty comfortable with one hand." Leaning down to allow for better hearing, "Cover, your ear holes please sir" Straightening up he whistles it is the best one yet pheet!.
Cradd had been like what fighting a Hinox must be like big and lumbering but with a long reach, Shalsis fought like a Lizalfos likely would fast small movements. Dorado begins to feel There is a rhythm to it as he blocks her attacks . "She is using the drill repeatedly that is why there is a pattern." He waits for the longest part of the maneuver from the right arm to the left arm then the but of the staff is glancing off her face. After regrouping by blinking away stars Shalsis steps forward and spins in a circle holding her weapon out only a reactionary jerk of his spear arm prevents Dorado from getting hit in both arms simultaneously. Nevertheless she scores a point. Gaping her father shouts, " Where did she learn Link's signature attack? "Oh that was the signature Baz Brigade attack we all did it though Link was especially good at it." "Uh Baz I have no idea what you just said" "Oh well, to translate I tought her that." Neezu is impressed and turns back to the fight. Cautiously circling her Dorado approaches she rushes him, clack the weapons meet then Dorado slides his staff down hitting the wrist that is two one left counts the winning competitor. "I can still win this" She repeats the spin attack form, the male lifts both hands in anticipation receiving a stab in the face for the action. Game point calls Sidon loudly he is smiling. There are moments in sports and fights when a competitor makes a decision that causes them to lose, Riju looking back in her race against Karlovaa was one Shalsis switching to one hand hoping to hide the point giving appendage is another. "No Two hands girl!" yells her father, but not in time Careening in low to the ground the fisherman jumps holding his staff upward it disarms the off her guard zora sending her weapon flying. "I yield." Shalsis utters acertaining the weapon was well beyond her reach."We have a new champion! "I think the best Zora won but," Here she crosses her arms "make sure you are good to Hyrule like you said." "I will be. I swear it."
Author's note II This went long but, I wanted to try one of my favorite tropes though I could not find it on TV tropes. I think I'll call it the Semi Final fluke although I subverted it here. It is when a fourth non plot relevant character makes a semifinal just to lose to the rival because we cannot have the big fight in the semis. Next week we check in with Karlovaa and briefly do some falling action on the Champion competition.
Sincerely, 4Coyote