Disclaimer: The Legend of Zelda does not belong to me


They only stopped by Dueling Peaks Stable because Lynk wanted a different horse. While waiting for Lynk, Zelda talked to a man named Hino. He was a man with an interest for and a vast knowledge about the blood moon. Hino claimed tonight's moon would be a 13th day moon. Zelda couldn't help but think he was foolish. It's only been three days since the last blood moon, meaning the next phase was going to be a crescent moon. Besides, with Ganon gone, it'd be about two months before the next blood moon. Regardless, she kept talking to Hino until Lynk came back with Blayre, a mare equipped with a traveler's bridle and saddle.

The next day, they arrived at Kakariko Village. They went to Impa's house and saw that nothing really changed.

"Back already?" Impa asked. "My, you made quick work of Hateno."

"Actually, there's been a change in plans," Zelda said. "I'm going to Akkala to talk to Robbie about the blood moon."

"Oh? And how many times did you change your plan before settling on this one?"

"Um… Lynk?" Zelda looked at her appointed knight.

Lynk stayed quiet before saying, "About five times."

Zelda pressed her lips, not exactly willing to admit that.

"I appreciate the visit, Princess, but it would probably be best if you started traveling again," Impa stated. "If you start traveling now, you can make it to Wetland Stable while the sun's still up."

"Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something."

"What is it?"

Zelda turned to Lynk. "Um, Lynk, would you mind giving us some privacy?"

Lynk, although confused, complied with the order. She went outside and stayed there for what felt like an hour. She sighed, bored from her wait. When Zelda came out, Lynk felt like she's been waiting for an eternity. Zelda apologized, saying that the conversation took longer than she thought. She then said that she needed to make an elixir and they went to the cooking pot.

When done, Zelda took her elixir and put it in one of Hylia's saddlebags. It would be fantastic for helping with any ailments, such as headaches. They started traveling again after passing the East Akkala Stable, Zelda remembered the cliffhanger she left Lynk on about the cake. "So…you're probably wondering what I meant earlier when I apologized for eating your fruit cake."

Lynk looked at her.

"Well, fruit cakes are great for relieving headaches; I planned on giving it to you but you fell asleep. And you already know why I ate it."

"It's your favorite food," Lynk stated, remembering what the cookbooks in the castle library said.

Zelda smiled a little, "Yes, it is. You know, I was thinking, with it being so close to Akkala, going to Goron City first seems to the fastest option for our reunification of Hyrule. Of course, King Dorephan and Prince Sidon are still alive after all these years. Perhaps visiting Zora's Domain first would be best." Zelda sighed, "I just can't decide. What do you think, Lynk?"

"I think…that you're a bit indecisive."

Zelda stuttered, "Uh, how rude!"

"Not in an offensive manner. You have multiple goals and that's good. But you can't seem to decide which one to focus on. Hyrule's reunification is important, but when deciding how to start, you can't decide."

Zelda huffed, "I may call you a friend, Lynk, but don't forget that you're still talking to your boss." She saw Lynk look away before suddenly getting off her horse. "Lynk, what are you—oh, wow!" She dismounted Hylia and ran over to where Lynk was. "A properly functioning decayed Guardian! This is absolutely fascinating. Who knew that once the Calamity was gone that these things would still be capable of working. Has Robbie seen this yet?"

Lynk shrugged.

"I'll go get him," Zelda said excitedly as she went back to her horse and went up the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab not too far up the road.

Lynk walked around as she examined the decayed Guardian. It whirred its head and its gaze passed over her. She involuntarily flinched and took a step back before it started looking around for something else. She pushed her bangs back to get a better look and went closer to examine it even more. She poked it a few times, wondering if this was a trick. A few more minutes of examination and she started to feel uncomfortable; as if she was being watched. The feeling persisted and she couldn't stand it anymore.

She started going to Blayre before suddenly hearing a laugh. She swiftly turned around and saw a Yiga blademaster. The fight lasted far longer than she would've liked and when it finished she was left slightly disheveled. She cleaned herself up and led Blayre to the tech lab, now wondering what was taking the princess so long. She opened the door and saw Robbie and Zelda chatting. Zelda turned around and waved to Lynk.

"Hello, Hero," Robbie greeted. "The Princess and I were just talking about the Guardian outside. Is it true that it's working?"

"It's defective," Lynk said simply.

"What do you mean?"

"I was fighting a Yiga blademaster and it did nothing."

"Perhaps it doesn't recognize them as enemies," Zelda suggested. She saw Lynk make a face and go back outside. Zelda would've gone after her but figured it'd be best if she left Lynk alone for the time being. She turned back to Robbie and continued their conversation.


Zelda put down the book and sighed. Lynk slipped out earlier that day, probably to do more memory hunting. She went back to her notes, most of which was the same; explanations about the blood moon and hypothesis about why it came to be. She then remembered Brigo. If what he said was correct, then tonight would be a 26th day moon. But why? Why would the moon phases still be shortened if the Calamity was gone? She then heard the door open and saw Lynk. Judging from the look on her face, she hadn't been successful.

"No luck?"

Lynk shook her head and sat down by the desk; there weren't many places to sit down in Robbie's lab.

"If it makes you feel any better, we're heading for Zora's Domain tomorrow."

"How the Farore is that supposed to make me feel better? We're going so you can research the blood moon."

"Well, you're good friends with the Zora, are you not? That means you'll remember something."

"I'm friends with the Gorons and I still remembered nothing."

"That doesn't mean you won't remember anything else. Perhaps it's because there's no one to help guide you through the memories. For example, I told you about our races. In a way, that acts as a guide. Prince Sidon and some of the others remember you, so that may help."

Lynk stayed quiet as she thought about this. "I guess…" She then crossed her arms and leaned against the desk. "I hate that thing."

"Hate what? The blood moon?"

"What else?"

Zelda was a bit worried about Lynk's attitude. "Well, it's-it's not that bad. After all, without it, you wouldn't be able to get new materials."

Lynk considered that for a second before scowling; the amount of trouble that thing caused her was too much. "It's aggravating. You don't know how many times I decided to rest at a monster camp only to be stabbed in the middle of the night."

Zelda took note that Lynk talked more when annoyed and gave her friend a soft smile. "Well, since I'm traveling with you now, we certainly won't be getting in that problem again."

"No, we definitely will. The next blood moon will happen either while we're leaving Akkala or when we're on the road to Zora's Domain."

"Oh."

"And when the blood moon happens, you won't be able to do much. You've only trained with your powers once. Training once isn't good enough for fighting monsters."

"Well…maybe you can help me. You know what it takes to properly fight. Perhaps that can be applied to the Goddess' powers."

Lynk stayed quiet for a moment. She didn't know the first thing about magic. "I'll…I'll see."


While traveling, a shortcut Lynk found made it quicker to get to Wetland Stable. And by shortcut, Lynk meant monster camp. Zelda scolded Lynk for a good hour after that incident.

"You are supposed to be my appointed knight, what were you thinking?!" Zelda said.

Lynk didn't answer and just continued going to the stable. Regardless of Lynk's horrible definition of a shortcut, the trip to Zora's Domain was still the same three day trip. Surprisingly enough, the blood moon didn't happen while they were traveling. Zelda thought that it either did happen and they didn't see it or that Lynk's guess was off. They arrived at Zora's Domain and the first Zora to greet them was Prince Sidon himself.

"Princess Zelda, Lynk!" Sidon exclaimed before running up to them. "I have been wondering when you two would arrive. I must thank you personally for all you have done for not only the domain but for Hyrule as well!"

"Thank you, Prince Sidon," Zelda said with a slight bow.

Lynk simply nodded her thanks.

A bright smile came across Sidon's face. "If you don't mind me asking, what brings you to our humble domain?"

"We're researching the blood moon," Zelda answered.

"The blood moon? Interesting. I assumed you would be here for diplomatic reasons."

"In a way I am, but I think it'd be best to keep a low profile for the time being. Especially with the Yiga Clan still active."

"Ah, of course. They are quite troublesome."

Zelda nodded, recalling the incident at the Equestrian Riding Center, "Indeed they are. Would you mind telling us what you know about the blood moon?"

Sidon shook his head. "Unfortunately, I can't tell you much, but my father may be able to."

"Well, then would you mind bringing us to him?"

"Of course not. Follow me." Sidon turned on his heal and lead them to the throne room—area, technically. "Father, look who has decided to visit us." He went to his father's left-hand side, opposite of Muzu.

"Ah, Princess Zelda, it's a pleasure to see you again after all this time," Dorephan said with a smile.

Zelda nodded, "As with you, King Dorephan."

"Tell me, what brings you here."

"I am researching the blood moon and was hoping you would be able to tell me about its effects on the domain."

He put a hand to his chin and thought about it for a few minutes. "Well, as we all know, the blood moon resurrects monsters, but for us Zora, it also intensifies the current. The strengthen current is dangerous, even for our strongest swimmers. And even on the day of a blood moon, you can see the current getting stronger."

"I see. Thank you for telling me. Well, I suppose we should get—"

Sidon interrupted her. "Leaving so soon? You've gone through a lot of effort to get here, take a few days to yourself. It will help relieve the aches from your long travels. And besides, what's the point of researching the blood moon if you're not going to observe it yourself?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that the blood moon is close by. Close enough that you and Lynk shouldn't mind staying for a few more days."

"Well…" Zelda thought about it for a minute. "I suppose we can stay for a few days."

"Wonderful! I'll have rooms prepared immediately," Sidon said before running off.

"Rooms?" Lynk quietly asked no one in particular.

A hearty laugh came from King Dorephan. "Take it as a sign of our hospitality."

"Yes, hospitality…" Muzu muttered.

After a few moments of light chatter between Zelda, Dorephan, and Muzu, Sidon came back and led Lynk and Zelda to their rooms. They walked past rooms Lynk didn't know the domain had. Simple but beautiful designs on each door and along the walls. They stopped at a door and Sidon did a slight bow. "Your room, Princess."

"Thank you," Zelda said before entering her room. Sidon went in with her, telling her some important information about the room and such.

Lynk felt a bit confused. She was Zelda's appointed knight and as such was supposed to guard her. But what was she supposed to do when the princess retreated to her room? Oh, yeah, she was supposed to guard the door. When Sidon came back to the hallway, he took a few steps to lead Lynk to her room before realizing he didn't hear any following footsteps. He turned around and saw Lynk standing by the door.

"Lynk?" A few seconds of silence and he understood why she was standing there. "Oh, right, you're her appointed knight. I almost forgot. Well, I have assigned two guards to watch over the princess so you can take a break from your duties." He saw the hesitant look on Lynk's face before she gave a slight nod. He took it as a sign to continue and lead her to her room. He opened the door to her room and stepped in with her. "I hope you like it. I tried to get you a room that gave you a clear view of the waterfalls. Which are lovely to watch at night."

Lynk gave a slight nod.

"Oh! Lynk, before I forget. The other members of the Bazz Brigade and I were wondering if you wouldn't mind spending some time with us later today."

Lynk stayed quiet as she thought about it. All of the brigade members were on duty, weren't they? But they must've been off duty if he was suggesting it. "That'd be nice," she said.

"Wonderful! Follow me. We're going to Veiled Falls."

Lynk was a bit surprised; she didn't think he meant now. As she followed him, she saw there were guards in front of Zelda's door. It was an hour or so walk to Veiled Falls but when they got there Lynk saw that her old Zora friends were there. None wearing armor and each enjoying the water. Bazz was the first to notice them coming and ran out of the water.

"Mistress Lynk!" he exclaimed. He then trapped her in a hug before letting her go. "Come. Join us in the water. It feels fantastic today."

Lynk watched as Bazz returned to the water and was followed by Sidon. She felt like she was watching children play when they were all technically adults. The order from oldest to youngest may have been Rivan, Gaddison, Bazz, her, and then Sidon. She watched them swim and race each other up the waterfall. She took her boots off and rolled up her pants before stepping into the water. Bazz was right, it did feel nice. She closed her eyes and stayed like that for a few minutes, enjoying the cool water.

It wasn't long after that Rivan swam up to her. "Mistress Lynk?"

Lynk opened her eyes and looked at the Zora.

"I apologize if this is too personalize, but do you remember when we were kids?"

She shook her head.

"Really? We would swim and train together."

"That sounds…familiar." Bazz told her that she trained him, not that she trained the others.

"Well, do you remember the day we met?"

She shook her head and water sloshing signaled the others were swimming towards her.

"Well, even if you don't remember, I remember quite clearly," Sidon said with a small, wistful smile.

She stayed quiet as she dug deep into her memory. Perhaps she would remember something from that day. Nothing came, and she sighed before looking at Sidon. "Can you tell me about that day?"

"Well, I…I've never been good at telling stories, but I will certainly try my best," he said with a nod. He went on land with Lynk and sat down. "Well, when you first came, you were tagging along with your father on a platoon to the domain. I saw you coming to the throne room with your father but you ran off to play with the other children before entering. I wanted to join you and asked Mipha if I could. She said yes, and then I found you with—"

"Lynk!" a voice suddenly called out.

Lynk turned her head and saw the princess heading toward her. She moved around Sidon and went to Zelda.

"I was looking all over the domain for you. Why didn't you at least tell me you were going somewhere?"

"I—" Lynk started before being interrupted by Sidon.

"It's my fault, Princess," Sidon said, getting up. "I invited Lynk to Veiled Falls and didn't give her any time to tell you. I'll make sure to do so next time."

Zelda looked at Sidon for a few seconds before nodding and looking at Lynk. "Are you coming with me to observe the effects of the blood moon?"

Lynk's ear tilted, confused why the princess would bother asking the question, and then nodded.

Sidon gasped. "You can do that?"

"Do what?" Lynk asked.

"Move your ears."

"She does it all the time," Zelda said.

"She does?"

I do? Lynk asked herself.

"You should've seen her during her adventure. She was talking to a man in Gerudo and it was fantastic. She got this look on her face, and her ears completed the look."

Light laughter came from the Zoras as they imagined what the context could've been.

Zelda giggled herself before looking at Lynk again. "Regardless, Lynk, are you fine coming with me now or do you want to wait?"

"I'll come now."

Gaddison quickly spoke up. "Wait! May we tag along, Princess Zelda? Lynk's only just arrived and it'd be a shame to spend such little time with an old friend."

"I don't see why not. Lynk, are you fine with them coming?"

Lynk nodded.

"Perfect," Bazz said, getting out of the water. "We'll get our armor and we'll meet you at Great Zora Bridge." He went to the edge of the cliff and jumped off and into the water. He was quickly followed by Rivan and Gaddison.

Sidon looked at Lynk. "I believe that going to the Bank of Wishes will be the best place to see the blood moon's effects."

"The Bank of Wishes," Zelda repeated. "How far is that from Zora's Domain?"

"Very," Lynk said, showing Zelda where the bank was on the map.

Putting a hand to her chin, Zelda said, "Well, judging from the map, I'd say that's at least two days of traveling. Maybe if we had our horses… Never mind. I forgot the road's far too uneven and slick for horses."

"Forget about traveling by foot or horse, when you can travel by Zora," Sidon said boldly.

Zelda blinked. "Excuse me?"

"When Lynk needed to get to Vah Ruta, she rode on my back. Perhaps you could do the same. Now, I don't believe I can carry both of you, but Bazz may be able to carry one of you."

Zelda looked at Lynk before looking back at Sidon. "I suppose it's worth a try."

"Wonderful! Come, the faster we get back to the domain, that faster we can get to the bank."

They followed Sidon into the domain and waited by Great Zora Bridge. When the others arrived, wearing their armor and equipped with spears, they went to the side of Zora's Domain. Lynk and Zelda climbed down a ladder and stood on a lower part of the domain. Zelda went on Sidon's back and Lynk went on Bazz's. Using the river, they made their way to the Bank of Wishes. But due to Zelda having no experience holding on to a jumping Zora, they had to go farther downstream before getting on land.

During the trek to the bank, the group, excluding Lynk, talked about the old times. Sidon and Bazz did try to get her to participate in the conversation multiple times. Unsuccessfully, however. Lynk heard a sound and let the group get ahead of her before investigating. It sounded like a rock hitting something. She saw an Octorok in the water and quickly took out a bow and arrow. She pulled the arrow back and…the Octorok squealed and disappeared in a cloud of smoke…? She lowered her bow, greatly confused by what had happened. It wasn't her arrow that did that… She took a moment before putting the bow and arrow away. If it wasn't her, then who did it? She thought about the possibilities before concluding that it was probably some monster failing to hit its prey.

She turned to catch up with the others but suddenly felt something hit her back. A small noise escaping her mouth before she fell to the ground. She felt the wind knocked out of her and grit her teeth as she started to push herself up from the ground. Her arms failed her and she sighed. Take your time, Lynk, she told herself. She took a few deep breaths before trying again. She then heard a sickeningly familiar laugh and knew she wouldn't get to her feet fast enough and opted for getting the Master Sword instead. She retrieved the blade and rolled onto her back before swinging at her attacker. The Yiga blademaster hopped back, realizing that even when down, Lynk was still a challenge.

In the time it took for this happen, someone acknowledged that she wasn't with the group anymore. She heard the sound of metal hitting metal and saw Sidon with his Zora sword against the Yiga's windcleaver. She attempted to get to her feet and failed yet again. Then a black, clawed hand was offered and she accepted it. With Bazz's help, she got to her feet. She leaned against a tree as she watched Bazz and Sidon deal with the Yiga blademaster. When done, they went over to her and asked if she was okay. Through a somewhat incoherent mumble, she told them she was, and they started to catch up with Zelda and the others. And then…


Lynk stayed quiet as she did her best to keep up with a man. One hand messing with her knee-length dress while the other was in the man's hand. Was she in trouble? Did she do something wrong? Yes, she knew she ran off, but the man didn't say or do anything to stop her. She followed him into a room and saw some Zoras lying or sitting on beds. The man lifted her onto a bed and told her to take off her shoes. While she wrestled with her boots, the man talked to one of the Zora nurses. The nurse nodded and walked away, and he helped her take off her other boot. He rolled up her pant leg, revealing a bruise on her leg. The man sighed and looked at her. She looked at her dress and started wrinkling it again.

The nurse came back a few minutes and handed the man a small container. The man thanked the nurse before taking off one of his gloves and opening the container. He dipped his fingers into the salve and went to apply it. Lynk panicked and scooted back and covered her legs with her dress. She hated salve; they were always too cold. The man said something and she took a moment before moving back towards him. She flinched when the man applied the salve to her bruise.

When finished, the man rolled her pant leg down and helped her put her boots back on. Lynk hopped off the bed and dusted her dress off. The man put his glove back on and squat down to be eye level with her. He said something and she nodded. He then smiled and ruffled the girl's hair, causing her to giggle. She then followed him outside and gave him a hug before running off again.


Lynk slowly opened her eyes. That dream was…interesting, to say the least. It wasn't the most informative dream—or memory—but it was certainly interesting. The man's face had been a blur, but she knew when he was saying something and what expression he was doing. Which didn't make sense since she couldn't see his face or hear a thing he said. She sighed and relaxed for a few minutes before a familiar voice caught her attention. She saw Sidon and Zelda talking to a Zora nurse before heading towards her.

"Lynk, are you…are you feeling any better?" Zelda asked quietly.

Lynk nodded.

"That's fantastic news," Sidon said, keeping his voice down in respect of the others in the infirmary. "We were worried something horrible had happened after you collapsed."

Lynk stayed quiet for a moment. "Collapsed?" she brought herself to ask.

"Yes. Unfortunately, we didn't get far before you did."

"I don't understand," Lynk said as she attempted to sit up. "What do you—ugh!" A sudden pain shot through her back.

"Lynk!" Both Zelda and Sidon exclaimed.

"Okay, relax. You just need to lay back down and rest," Sidon said as he helped Lynk.

Lynk groaned, "What happened?"

"I was hoping you would be able to tell me," Zelda said.

Lynk stayed quiet as she did her best to recall what happened before she passed out. But it didn't help that she didn't remember much. But she did remember the riverside, the Octorok, and then…nothing. Her fingers messed with the blanket as she tried to remember what happened after the Octorok. A few minutes of thoughtful silence and she finally remembered hearing a laugh and gasped, "The Yiga Clan."


SmokyMirrors (Guest): Why, thank you. And trust me, I will.

Rwbyroxx: Here it is, horribly delayed! And thank you.

I'm sorry for this being so late. And for this being as late as it is, it feels a bit rushed—to me, anyway. If you also think it seems rushed, please tell me. I'll see what I can do to fix that.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter of Once in a Blood Moon. And here's the part where I semi-promote myself. Feel free to leave a review, ask a question, or something. I don't know. You do you. Until next time. Bye~