A soft, worried tone brought Link back to awareness. "Please wake up. Open your eyes for me, Link. Please?"

It wasn't Zelda.

He blinked up at the concerned face of Az staring down at him. A warm, relaxed sensation had settled through his veins, removing anything he might've felt before.

"Oh, Hylia be praised! You're awake. I was afraid you wouldn't wake up even after I healed you."

The iridescent silver wings that sparkled when light caught them weren't his imagination. Link stared, watching as they slowly spread and moved behind Az's back.

"You're a…"

"A fairy," she confirmed with a giggle. "I keep my wings hidden most of the time. It's easier if people think I'm Hylian."

"But how…" Link was at a loss for words as he slowly sat up. He wanted to reach out and touch her wings but his hand stayed at his sides, respectful and distant.

"It's a bit of a long story. I'll tell you while we head to Rito Village, okay?" Az chirped, letting him stand and circle her once to see her wings before she dispelled them with a wave of her hand.

The blond could only silently marvel as she readjusted her pack onto her back and plucked the Lynel's sword and shield from the corpse before handing them to him. "Here. You don't want to forget these!"

"Thank you," he answered automatically. The Knight's Shield he had been wearing was gone, so he strapped the Lynel Shield to his back, and slipped the sheathed sword into the belt loop on his waist.

"Go get your horse! I'll wait for you by the path." Az didn't wait for him to respond before she was darting off with surprising speed.

Link could only stare after her as he walked slowly to the stables. It didn't take long for him to retrieve the mare he had tamed and climb into the saddle, leading her on a walk to the bridge where Az waited.

"Oh, she's beautiful! What'd you name her?" Az reached up and petted the bay mare.

"Epona," Link said with a faint smile. "She bore a strong resemblance to the depictions of the mare that the Hero of Time rode, so I thought it only fitting. She's stubborn, but sweet."

"Do you want me to ride with you?" Az asked, her hands clasped behind her back nervously.

"If you don't mind. It'll be easier to hear you that way."

The pale girl reached up to take Link's offered hand and swung up behind him. Her small arms wrapped around his waist, and her head rested against his back as she clung on tightly.

Link had to stifle a faint shiver at the closeness. "Tell me about the wings… and how I'm not dead on the path from the Lynel."

"First of all…" she exhaled, her breath warm against his neck. "I'm Azalea Rossel from Kakariko… and a hundred years ago, we were friends."

Link couldn't have been more surprised. "What?"

"Me and my boyfriend Cami were friends with you, the Champions, and the Princess." Az blew out her breath. "We were there, the day Calamity Ganon struck."

"What happened?" Link asked in bewilderment. "How does that explain how you're here… with wings?"

"Cami and I were with Impa and a few of the footsoldiers near Kakariko when the Guardians became possessed. I…" Az paused and cuddled closer to his back self-consciously. "I don't remember exactly what happened. I learned from Cotera later. But there was a flying Guardian that targeted Cami. I pushed him out of the way in time and shot it with an Ancient Arrow… but not before the laser hit me."

Link's breath hitched, and he felt Az's arms tighten around him in reassurance. "Go on," he whispered.

"Impa told Cami to take me to the Great Fairy Fountain. But by the time he did… It was too late to save me. His kiss was the final touch I felt."

Az let go of him and touched her neck, a motion Link felt behind him. "Cami gave me a necklace… said it would be our promise til he could get me a ring. I wear it all the time. I was wearing it when Cami gave my body to Cotera."

"If you died, how are you here?" Link couldn't help but wonder aloud.

"While this was happening, Calamity Ganon had killed the Champions and wounded you to the point of death. Cami was too heartbroken about losing me to do anything so he retreated to his family's chalet in Hebra. And as for me… well, Hylia woke my soul from slumber and told me that I had a task yet to complete. She gave me the form you saw earlier."

"What happened to Cami?" Link inquired. "Did you get to see him after becoming a fairy?"

Az sighed, sadness heavy in her voice. "No. He died of a broken heart a few months after I died… When I was given my body and my soul awakened, I had no memories to speak of either. So I had to take a pilgrimage to learn a lot of this for myself. I found him… in Hebra."

Link didn't have to turn to know she had started crying against his back. "I'm so sorry, Az," he murmured brokenly.

"It's okay," she sniffled. "I buried him with my parents on Satori Mountain, and then I returned to Cotera to finish my training and strengthen my magic."

"What does your magic allow you to do, besides the wings and whatever healing you did for me?"

"Well, the simplest way to describe it is that I can change my size and my appearance. So, I can be either a small fairy like the ones you catch in a bottle, or Hylian size, as you saw. I can show my wings or keep them hidden like I do most of the time. And I have healing magic! The worse the injury, the more of my energy it takes. But I don't mind it! I love being able to help people, especially you. That's part of my quest, you know. And I never would have found it if I hadn't had my own journey of remembrance to regain my memories."

Link guided Epona on autopilot, processing what he'd been told. "That's a lot to take in."

"I'm sorry, Link. I wasn't going to tell you… not at first. I didn't want to worry you. It's not every day you encounter a fairy." Az sighed and pressed her cheek against his back. "I never expected this. I miss Cami… we were going to be married."

"I'm so sorry," he murmured again, at a loss for what more to say.

"It was Hylia's will." The simple answer came from the soft voice behind him. "She has a plan. She always does. Otherwise we both would have died."

"I died, didn't I? The reason it took a hundred years for me to wake up was because I died, wasn't it?" Link didn't have to hear her answer to know it was true. "What's your task now? You said you were supposed to accompany me? Is that to keep me from dying a second time?"

"I'll be with you until my quest is complete. If Mipha's Grace fails you, I won't. I promise, Link." Az hugged him tightly from behind.

"Thank you. And thank you… for saving me today. I wouldn't be here right now if it wasn't for you."

"I'm glad I can be here, when you need it most. Everyone needs someone to support them and lift them up when they're feeling down. To support them when they need it most. Zelda's busy holding the Calamity at bay, so if I can be that for you, then I'm right where I need to be." Az said with feeling.

Link didn't reply. He was too busy staring up at the Divine Beast flying overhead. "I have… I've seen it before, but closer. I never got to fly though. Would that I had wings…"

"I can't carry anyone since my wings aren't that strong, but it is beautiful to see from the sky," Az breathed, inhaling in the cool, mountain air. "We need to find Teba, and Kass too, if he's around."

"Teba?"

"The Rito Champion who took over helping protect the village after Revali perished in the Calamity," she explained. "But you should see Kaneli first. The Rito Elder."

"You're friends with everyone, aren't you?" Link asked with a slight smirk. "That will certainly be helpful."

"Not everyone, but I do know a lot of people. Being a fairy for so long has given me plenty of time to wander Hyrule." There was a faint twinge of sadness in her tone. "But, it means I also know where to find everything you'll need. You can leave Epona at the stables, and then we walk across the bridges into the village."

"It's nice to have a companion to travel with," he found himself saying aloud a few minutes later. And he meant it! Having Az's company was nicer than he anticipated. She had a way of sensing his moods, keeping quiet when he was in a pensive mood, or chattering happily when something tickled her fancy. She was nothing like he anticipated, and he found himself becoming more intrigued by her with each passing hour.

Az bit back a giggle when Kaneli kept referring to him as the 'Champion Descendant'. Link couldn't find it within himself to care. He'd been called worse in the couple weeks since his awakening. If people chose to perceive him as a descendent rather than the Hero laid to rest a century before, so be it. Perceptions did nothing to alter the task laid out before him.

It was Az who quietly suggested that they rest for the night before seeking out Teba. Night had fallen during their time conversing with Kaneli, and the temperature around the village was dropping fast.

After a few moments of consideration, Link agreed. Preparing a meal and getting a good night's rest would be preferred before they even considered going after the Divine Beast. He purchased a few ingredients from the small market and motioned for Az to join him while he sat beside the cooking pot.

"Do you want me to help so you can go wash up?" Az offered. "I like to cook, and I've gotten good at it."

"The rice balls this morning were fantastic," Link agreed. "If you're sure. I was going to wait to do that before bed."

"You'll feel more refreshed if you do so now. I don't mind cooking!" Az gave him a tight hug. "Go clean up. I'll have it ready by the time you get back."

Link returned the embrace, lightly ruffling the wavy hair atop her head before he headed down towards the spring. He didn't linger, hastily scrubbing himself off and toweling dry. His hair was still damp when he made his way back into the village.

A faint sparkle caught his eye as he passed the small general store. Link paused mid-step and leaned in for a closer look. As soon as he identified the object, he went inside and paid the rupees for the jewelry before jogging up the stairs two at a time to get back to the cooking pot where Az sat, humming to herself while she cooked.

"That was fast! Do you feel better?" She bounced lightly in her seat before offering him a taste of the food from a spoon. "What do you think?"
Link groaned softly as the flavorful stew hit his tongue. "That's perfect." A couple words echoed in his mind but remained unspoken. "I have something for you."

"For me?" Az cocked her head to the side as she settled back into her seat. "What is it?"

"Close your eyes," he said impulsively.

"What? Okay… I don't know what's going on," she squeaked but obediently squeezed her eyes shut.

Link walked around behind her and draped a necklace around her, fastening it in the back before stepping back around her to examine it. "Okay. Open them."

Az peeked down at the pendant and gasped. "A sakura blossom? It's so pretty!"

"Pink, like your eyes. You had to have it," Link said simply. A faint blush rose on his cheeks when she threw her arms around his neck in a tight hug.

"Oh, thank you, Link! You didn't have to do it, but I will cherish it forever!" She brushed his cheek with a light kiss before pulling away to examine the necklace in the torchlight.

Link took the seat opposite her and lifted the forgotten food off the fire before it burned. He dished up the plates, going to hand her one before he froze, noticing the second pendant hanging around her neck. "I forgot you already had a necklace," he whispered. He was an idiot. Of course she had one. The one from Cami. it had to be from him. Cami was the one Az was close to, back when they all knew each other.

"It doesn't matter. I can cherish them both," she said stubbornly. " I want both, and I'm going to wear them proudly." She cupped her hand over both possessively. "They even look good together! See?"

Link leaned closer so he could see the bow and arrow pendant beside the delicate cherry blossom he had just bought. "They do," he murmured in surprise. "Maybe they were meant to be together like that."

"They were! Thank you, Link!" Az stood on tiptoes and deliberately kissed his cheek, bringing a flush to his face and ears. "And thank you for not letting the food burn!"

"You're welcome," he said sheepishly, handing over the plate to her.

Conversation was light and easy while the pair ate their dinner. Link couldn't help but peek at her periodically, pleased to see the two pendants resting together like they were meant to be. Cami was always going to be the first in her heart and memories. Just like the first voice he heard when he awoke was Zelda's. The princess needed him.

His thoughts continued to swirl as they got ready for bed at the inn. He took off his boots and his tunic, choosing to sleep in only his pants under the thick quilts of the bed while Az took the bed across the room from him.

"I wish you good rest!" She said before slipping off her boots and curling up under the quilts facing away from him.

Link stared up at the ceiling. A thought had occurred to him earlier. She was a fairy… Did that mean she would live forever? Nothing was ever said about what happened to Navi, the companion to the Hero of Time. She simply vanished, and was never heard from again. But how did he even know that?

His brow furrowed. It must've been one of the innate memories he awoke knowing. He could remember a few unusual things. Things that made him scratch his head at how he knew. Like the fact that the Royal family all worshiped Hylia, not the Three Golden Goddesses. Yet there were legendary dragons named after the goddesses. Strange things he knew, yet had no plausible explanation for how he knew them.

Az. He had known her, and her boyfriend a hundred years prior. All three of them had perished around the same time… yet thanks to the Sheikah technology, here he was. Here was Az too, thanks to the magic of the Great Fairies and the blessing of Hylia herself. Was it merely a coincidence? Or were they meant to be?

Link's heart pounded harder in his chest, the sound echoing so loudly in his ears that he looked over to see if it had disturbed the fairy girl curled up on the opposite bed. Meant to be… did he even dare to think about Az in a romantic sense? He was attracted to her. She fascinated him, and the more time he spent with her, the more he wanted to continue to spend with her.

But she wasn't the only one he had to think about. Zelda. The princess. The few memories he had regained were nearly impossible to make out how he'd truly felt about her. The pain of her failures and him constantly shadowing her was evident, but nothing gave him the answers he sought about how he'd felt for Zelda… or more importantly, how she truly felt about him.

He had a lot to think about. The moon was high in the sky when he finally slipped into a restless sleep.

Link awoke the next morning to find a diminutive fairy posing on his chest. He blinked sleepily as Az giggled and flew closer to his face. "Hey, wake up! Good morning!"

"So tiny," he mumbled in a groggy voice. "'Scute though."

"Cute, and practical!" Az landed on the tip of his nose. "'Hey! Listen! It's time to get up!'"

Link groaned, the sound vibrating through his face. "You're cuter when you're not pretending to be Navi."

"Awww! You really think I'm cute?" She giggled and darted away when his hand came up to scratch his nose.

"Yes," he replied automatically. His face flushed when he realized what he'd said.

There was a momentary flash of light and then Az sat on the headboard above him back in her Hylian size, swinging her legs on either side of his head. "I'm glad you think I'm cute. Though that word doesn't really apply to you."

"Then what word does?" he asked, staring up at her, albeit upside down.

"Handsome."

Link's face and ears burned hotter than he could ever remember them being. "You're just saying that." He sat up and ran a hand through the tangled mess of his hair before grabbing for his tunic and pulling it back over his head.

"I don't lie, Link. Ever. Part of my magic requires that I tell the truth, even if it's not easy." Az watched him try to tame his blond locks. "Besides, I want to be known for telling the truth and being kind."

"You're already that and more," he whispered almost to himself.

"Come on! I've got more onigiri for breakfast. We can eat on our way to finding Teba!" Az bounced on the balls of her feet and shouldered her pack.

Link gathered up the last of his gear and tied up his hair before following her. An hour later, they were at the Flight Range, and he was using his paraglider and the updrafts to showcase his archery skills.

Teba was satisfied with his archery skills, though noted his aerial skills needed some work. Link flashed Az a fake pout when she giggled at the comment, her own wings out and proud around the Rito. In daylight, they were simply stunning, shimmering opalescence with hints of silver and pink alike. He had to stop himself from staring and focus on what the grumpy Rito warrior explained about what to expect from Vah Medoh.

Link glanced at Az after Teba mentioned 'cold weather gear' for the third time. "Are you going to be warm enough?"

"Oh, don't worry about me! My wings haven't frozen yet," she replied cheerfully.

"That somehow doesn't give me much confidence," Link mumbled. "Don't you have a heavier coat at least?"

"Sure I do! Now, let's see. Where did I put it again?" She landed near him and dug through her pack, whispering to herself as she sorted her belongings.

He watched her struggle through all of her clothes before she plopped down on her backside and pouted. "It's not here."

"No winter coat in your magical bag? How would it work with your wings anyway?"

"I made it myself so I could keep warm when we were in cold temps." Az huffed. "I must've left it back with Cotera. It's not worth going all the way back now."

"Can you take any potions?" Link asked curiously. "I have a couple of cold protection ones in my inventory."

"Oh, do you? That would be great!" Az shoved her clothes back into her bag and gratefully took the potion that he handed her. She made a face at the strong flavor as she gulped it down. "Ewww! Why did they have to sweeten it!? It would've been better if it was just the spicy peppers. They put too much cane sugar in it!"

"Not everyone's got a stomach for spice." Teba grunted. "We don't mind it but a lot of the Hylians I see around turn green if you so much as mention a spicy pepper. It works for heat and keeps you warm from the inside out though."

Link climbed onto Teba's back while Az took off beside him. With two keen sets of eyes watching out for him, he was able to disable the lasers and the shield protecting Vah Medoh in almost no time at all. Link called out his thanks to Teba as the warrior headed back to the village to tend to his injury.

"Link! Look. There's the pedestal for the Sheikah Slate. You got this!" Az cheered from above him as he used the paraglider to float onto the Divine Beast.

The blond Champion shook his head as he tucked the glider away and pulled the slate off his hip. A warm body hit him from behind and knocked him off balance, forcing him to grab the edge of the pedestal for balance.

"Oof. Sorry! I guess I'm a little more off balance than I thought from being up here." Az apologized sheepishly, her body pressed flush against Link's from behind. The Divine Beast lurched, further keeping them from moving until it stabilized.

His breath caught as he realized just how firmly her chest was pressed against his back. Her clothes were loose enough ordinarily that they hid the curves he was now keenly aware of. Link swallowed thickly and fought to find his voice again. "It's alright. It happens."

Soft hands wrapped around his waist for balance. "How many terminals do you activate here?"

Link pressed the slate against the pedestal to gain the map of the giant flying contraption before he answered. "Five. Then fighting a blight like the one that nearly killed me on Vah Rudania."

The Divine Beast evened out, and Link breathed a silent sigh of relief when Az stepped back from him. He lifted the slate off the pedestal and held it up. "So, it looks like the controls adjust the wing height and the angle at which it's flying.

Az's hand rested on his arm while she peered over his shoulder. "And it looks like there's a couple terminals in each wing, and then the main terminal is on the beast's back. This should be easy!"

An hour later, Link was frustrated with his life choices. The puzzles with wind and mechanisms that gave him access to the terminals were almost diabolical in their difficulty. The one upside was Az's ability to fly around and give him advice. Though he noticed she seemed rather more… exuberant than usual. And nearly every time she came near, she was touching him in some form or fashion.

Finally, when her kimono style tunic caught the wind just right and gave him a flash of cleavage, Link had had enough. "What's going on with you? You're not usually so… touchy."

"I don't know what you mean! I'm just excited we're down to fighting the Blight, and then we can go back to the Village!" Az giggled, spinning in a low-flying circle near his head. "I feel all warm and tingly, and it's fun to give you advice while we're up so high in the clouds!"

Link blinked at her. Warm and tingly? He supposed he knew a little of that effect from the potions he occasionally drank, but that sensation wore off in the span of a couple minutes. He groaned when he caught a glimpse of the round shape of her bottom peeking out from the edge of her panties when her skirt blew in the updraft as he followed her up onto the top of the Divine Beast. He wiped away a touch of blood from his nose, grimacing in embarrassment. Goddess, if she caught him with a nosebleed over her figure…

Az's advice proved invaluable when he fought the Windblight. What had taken far longer on the other beasts without assistance went by in mere minutes. Revali's spirit greeted them, seeming surprised to see Link was not alone. But after a brief exchange, the pair rode the Divine Beast until it came to a rest on the perch atop Rito Village.

"Well, well. Fancy meeting you up here." A large, blue Rito holding an accordion greeted them as they started their descent towards the village.

"Kass!" Az cheered happily, throwing her arms around him. "I didn't know you were up here!"

"I haven't been for long. But I saw the Divine Beast making its way to a landing, and I had to look into it." Kass eyed Link. "Good to see you again, Link. I had a feeling that our paths would cross again."

"You know each other? Oh, that's wonderful!" Az clapped her hands together in delight. "Oh, that makes me so happy."

"How are you holding up, Az? I haven't seen you back here since the chalet." Kass said gently.

Az's countenance immediately sobered. "This is the first time I've been back. I can't… I can't go back up there alone," she murmured, looking away.

Link didn't miss the quiver in her voice or the way she tried to hide the tears she was quickly brushing away. "The chalet?" he hesitantly asked.

"It's in the mountains, not far from the village. It belonged to Cami's family and now, I guess it's mine." Az dried her eyes with the edge of her sleeve. "I never did thank you for being with me that day we… we found him."

"You did. You simply forgot from the stress of the day. Think nothing of it, Azalea. Truly." Kass bent to hug her again. "It was the least I can do for you. How are you feeling at this point?"

She hesitated, clearly choosing her words. "I'm okay. I finished my quest to regain my own memories. I miss him, so very much. But I'm learning to be okay."

"Losing someone you love is never easy. But I have faith in you. Hylia blessed you and gave you a purpose. Count on it. And who knows? Maybe by the next time I see you, the song I've been working on for you and Cami will be ready." Kass smiled warmly down at her.

"You're writing a song for me?" Az breathed, clapping her hand over her mouth. "B-but why?"

"Because your love and kindness is a testament that should be shared with people across Hyrule. The stories that last through the ages are the ones that speak of truth, kindness, and beauty. You possess all those things, Azalea."

She looked helplessly over at Link who simply nodded in agreement. "But I–"

Kass shook his head. "It's not finished, but it will be created for you. Just like the verse I created about Cami. The poor lad didn't want to live without you."

"I know," Az broke down, crying into her hands. "As soon as I remembered him, I came as fast as I could… I just wanted to tell him… I mean, we were going to–"

Link acted on impulse and gave her a tight hug, wrapping his arm protectively around the pale fairy girl.

Az buried her face against his chest and sobbed, her heart crying out in anguish. "I loved him… I loved him." She pounded her balled fist against his chest. "I never got a chance to tell him how much I loved him."

"He knew." Link didn't have to fully remember Cami to know it was the truth. Her emotions radiated off of her, and had for as long as he'd known her. Joy for life. Determination. Kindness. And her love. A pang shot through his chest as the realization hit deeply. She could never be his. Her heart belonged to Cami, and nothing would change that. He was nothing but a fool… a fool falling for a fairy girl who was in love with a boy who died from a broken heart over her.