Previously…
The forty-eighth platoon proved their worth to their captain, Link. The months of training paid off and fought a good battle against two Lynels.

Link wrangles a giant mare and is determined to keep her.

-Only obvious key points will be summarized. There are likely moments of an Unreliable Narrator or Sneaky Foreshadowing.-


"Master Link!" The messenger boy came running across the training field, a bundle of letters in hand. More monster summons no doubt and at least seven judging by the thickness. Offering the delivery upwards once next to the taller Hylian. "There was also a package for you, but I'm afraid it was too much for me to carry. It has been brought to your personal quarters."

From Sidon? Link quickly wondered, he was the most likely to give him a random gift and he had yet to receive a letter this month. [Thank you.]

Untying the string, Link ripped opened each envelope and quickly skimmed the contents. Monster, monster, monsters, strange lights, more monsters, tainted villagers, monsters again… a guardian? He hadn't seen a report on a rouge guardian in years.

Time to hand out assignments. Link headed towards the barracks, catching the odd glimpse of dread as he passed some of the knights in training still picking themselves off the ground from the latest drill. Tired or not, if they had a mission they would have to suit up.

Stopping at a slender tower with a single rope hanging down its core, he reached in and gave a strong pull. The bell at the top rang out like a clap of thunder across the castle grounds. By the second gong, two teams had lined up and by the tenth and last pull of the bell, a total of twelve platoons were present. Whether fully suit up or still in their bed wear, all available knights were present.

[There are six requests of aid. Once you receive an assignment, your team is to make all necessary preparations and depart within the hour.] Link looked over the assignments one by one handed them out accordingly. The chosen teams were quick to turn to the barracks the moment they received an assignment, yet with two letters clearly still in his hands and Link dismissed everyone else.

He too made his way inside the building, men and women alike gearing up while discussing their strategies. While he wasn't going to wear the uniform this time, Link still kept to his ideas and looked over the standard issued weapons. If he could use these to fight and protect, then so could everyone else. Link didn't want the false feeling that only he could achieve as well as he could, because he was the champion, the hero or that he could wield the master sword. His skill and experience was attainable for anyone willing to put forth the effort, that was the feeling he wanted the knights to have.

Quickly double checking over which locations he was going to be heading to and what he was to be dealing with. Probably best to take a claymore, a bow and two quivers of worth of arrows. But he had an ulterior motive. The last two letters were relatively close to a fairy fountain and he still had to make a trip to enhance his armour.

That and he needed a break from training forty-nine, ride-alongs for forty-eight and forty-seven. A solo trip would be refreshing. Actually, almost anything would be refreshing from the daily work of training knights. Not that he had to train every day, it certainly hadn't started that way either. The Hylian even waited for while after proclaiming his goal at the festival; two hundred strong before he would put down his sword.

The festival… Link lingered on the words from his mind, dipping a little into the memory.

When Ganon was finally sealed away, much of Hyrule gathered for a grand festival in celebration. The event ended up lasting for a week as every day a new group showed up to party. The Zoras had arrived on the fourth day, even Prince Sidon had joined them. In all honesty, Link was happy to see the big red guy able to get away from the domain. He was a good friend and thankfully knew his way around a festival, because Link was completely lost.

He knew his way around a battlefield, how to judge a weapon's quality, how to lay traps, and how to tend to grave wounds alone. It wasn't until this point that Link realized that he knew nothing else, all memories that had reclaimed were either of Zelda or the previous champions. With all else lost, he didn't know anything of himself. Whether he liked fair games, did he like drinking, could dance along to a beat, was he able to have fun like a normal person?

"It's okay if you don't know, Link." Sidon had spoken gently. "This just means that everything is a first, it's a new and exciting experience for you, an adventure! A time of discovery. Starting today, this is your first festival and I would be honoured to show you all you could possibly enjoy!"

Link suddenly spun around, heart jumping in his throat, searching for anything amiss. Nothing had changed, the room still loud with the sound of metal and chatter. He could have sworn that he sensed something, like something had locked on to him, like he was prey. With his heart slowing down, the Hylian turned back to the weapon rack.

Only to flinch at a dual reaction of spotting Ingo crouched down next to him and a tingling sensation at the back of his neck. By Hylia! Taking a deep breath, Link looked down at Ingo with a light scowl so show his disapproval of the young man's prank. Yet Ingo just stared with an unreadable expression up back at him, nibbling on a fingernail and otherwise unmoving.

Something that Link was familiar with and it just furthered his irritation. Ingo was stalking him, studying him. [We've talked about this. You can't just act like this towards people that you're curious about. If you have a question, ask, don't sit around and wait for your answer. People aren't ani-]

"It's back." Ingo broke the silence, but still remained low to the ground and before Link could ask. "That odd scent… same as the one a couple months ago."

But it wasn't like he was talking to Link, he was just speaking his thoughts aloud and when Ingo stood up to get closer, that was when the line was crossed. Wild man raised or not, he should have learned manners by now. Link promptly flicked Ingo in the nose and the younger man backed off with a yelp.

"That stings Captain." Ingo pouted was he held his injured nose.

[Take it as a light warning. Anyone else would think that you were a nutcase.] He signed with no remorse.

"Is it a woman?"

[What?]

"Ya know, a female. Particularly one of the Hylian species, cuz there isn't many other species in the ten-kilometre radius. But you can teleport with that slate-" Link suddenly clapping his hands stopped his rambling.

[I know what a woman is, but what does this have to do with anything?] Rolling his eyes and giving a sigh. If there was no point, he much rather they just return to grabbing gear and heading to work.

"Well, I've concluded that this strange scent is seventy percent likely a woman, mainly based on the fact I like it so much, but it could also be food." To add further insult to injury, Ingo whipped out his ratty hunting journal and flipped through it. "I've recorded the events in which this scent is present, most noticeable pattern is when you haven't suffered grave wounds. Makes sense, as performing se-AH! NO! GIVE IT BACK!"

Link held the book behind himself as Ingo tried to reach for it, but he knew better than to try and forcibly reclaim it. He had scars on his hip to remind him of the last time, when he tried to swipe food off his captain's plate. A prank gone horribly wrong. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Please don't harm my journal! I haven't even got it signed by the great Kilton yet!"

Tucking it away between his belt, Link shook his head. [Consider this punishment for studying me. Anyone else would have thrown you in jail for stalking. You get it back after your team returns from a successful mission.] Then took his chosen equipment and left the forty-eighth platoon to deal with Ingo's despair.

Now to see what package had arrived. Walking up the stairs to the second floor Link turned down two corridors and finally stopping at room fifty-one. As always, the door was unlocked, not like he kept anything of high value in his sleeping quarters.

But he was not expecting a bright red box with lace ribbons of blue and yellow. Hesitant, Link picked it up and looked it over, it was about the size of a shield and half as heavy as one too. No name, no note, only a card tucked under the lace with the words 'For the Champion' elegantly written. Frowning, he hoped that this wasn't another noble or someone trying to win his favour. Because it certainly wasn't another confession of love, no that would have been addressed by his name.

Expecting disappointment, Link tore open the package and pulls the lid of the box away. What he could have never foreseen was a portrait of Sidon to be looking back at him, swimming through the lily garden. Bewildered beyond words, Link doubt that Sidon posed for this, possibly not even aware of this picture's existence. It was far too… sensual, both in body language and gaze. The artist clearly put all their effort into his eyes.

A shiver ran up his spine, prickling at the back of his neck. He felt both uncomfortable and awkward from the picture so he quickly pulled it from the box to flop face down on the bed. A childish action perhaps, as would not make the object disappear nor would the image from his mind be wiped away.

However there was more items beneath the portrait, two wax sealed letters, a small silver coffer and a round yellow paper box. Taking anything to distract his memory, the young man grabbed the coffer and fumbled a little before finding the opening. It was so ornate that it was hard to tell decorative lines from the break in the seal. The contents were also somewhat dubious, well perhaps only the sharp tooth with a silver hoop through it, the circular red marble earrings weren't too bad. The tooth did remind him of Sidon's teeth, but he couldn't tell if it was actually his… again kind of awkward.

Just what kind of package is this? And who in Hyrule would send it address to me?

But it did say champion so perhaps it was sent to the wrong person? A gift of appreciation to Sidon, the Zora Champion? Though it became more doubtful the more he thought about the contents and he hadn't even seen it all yet. Honestly he didn't really want to, half tempted just to burn it all. This was all just too weird for him.

Onto the yellow box, which Link held in both hands for quite some time. He really couldn't take another uncomfortable Sidon themed item. Reluctantly flipping open the lid, he was pleasantly surprised to find it was a box of candies in a bright variety of colours. They looked very familiar and with the vast mix of scents it made it more difficult to recall what they were or where he had eaten them before.

Deciding on a pink and yellow swirled piece to savour, he broke the wax seal on the first envelope. Link nearly choked on the sweet yet sour candy as he saw the contents of the card.

With love from all of us at the Prince Sidon Fanclub, we thank you for joining us in unified admiration. Please enjoy these hand-crafted gifts made by our dedicated members and we hope to see you join us for next month's surprise package!

And remember, only one package a month will contain an authentic tooth of our treasured Prince. If you were unlucky this round, try again next time~!

-Tula, President of the Prince Sidon Fanclub

So, the tooth is real, was this a Zora thing with collecting teeth? It honestly felt a little invasive, but maybe it meant something else in their culture. Overall, this explained so much about the contents, but also only added to his confusion. Who bought this for him and why?

Upon opening the last envelope, he was given his answer.

Hey Link,

I apologize in advance for any strange things that you may find in the package. But your reaction would probably be hilarious so, I'm not really sorry.

When you wrote to me about getting certain information on the Prince, I really couldn't answer your question and not get him suspicious. So, I asked the fanclub to send you one of their monthly specials, with a little newbie extra. It ought to have what you're looking for, right?

If not. Oh well, it was a good laugh. Hope I didn't scar you.

Till next time,
Bazz.

The Hylian just about balled up the letter and whipped it across the room, from his sudden burst of irritation and slight embarrassment. This is not at all what I looking for! If I had known that you were going to be a brat, I would have asked Rivan!

Link sighed heavily and let the papers fall from his hands to lay with the other items on the bed. Now the best way to dispose of all this. Tossing it in the trash would no doubtably be found by someone. Burning it was a good possible action.

However, the clock bells ringing in the distance reminded him how much time he had wasted and he still had things to prepare before riding out. With great haste Link pocketed a few candies and tossed the items back into the box it came in, then dropped the whole thing in his chest by the window.

Un-strapping the Sheikah slate, drawings fingers over the map to the destination and was just about to confirm teleportation. When something caught his attention from the corner of his eye, a small card remained on the bed. Upon inspection the card had some sort of measurements written on it.

Looks like I got what I asked for after all.

~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~

"I have made all the preparations you requested, though I'm sorry for taking so long." The Zora woman bowed her head at the presence of Link in the stables.

[It is alright, she is more than most can handle.] He replied with a small smile and then handed her a note. [I have a favour to ask, could you deliver this to the saddle maker? If it's not too much trouble.]

She was a little confused with what was scribbled down, but beamed back up at her employer. "A message delivery is hardly trouble, Master Link."

[Thank you.] He then approached the stall that the giant ash mare resided. But she still seemed indifferent towards him and did not lower her head to greet the Hylian. Link took her reins and walked her outside.

Mounting up with a proper saddle was much easier, the process in getting one specially made had however was a challenge. Double checking that everything was good to go. Weapons, food, Sheikah clothing, barbarian armour, Zora armour, elixirs, and crafting materials.

With a light kick, they were off towards the castle gate.

~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~

Link gave a small sigh when he saw Regencia River in the distance, the dawn making the scenery glow in faint hues of pink. He was still about an hour walk off and he wasn't even fully off the mountain yet either. Dropping from the canopy and landed almost perfectly, stumbling only a few steps. Tired, he thought, warm too, adding as he pulled his mask down to make breathing more comfortable.

It had been a long unsuccessful night on Satori Mountain, while he had deemed the report nonthreatening, he hadn't been able to sneak up on the creature causing the disturbance. Even with only his Sheikah gear on. It was like the giant Blupee knew he was there, barely even come within fifteen feet when the shimmering creature turned to look at him. But within a blink of an eye, the creature vanished, fading into mist.

Was it his scent that gave him away? He had paid a visit to Kaysa before dusk and she had been far more… hands on this time. Link shudders from the memory. Why couldn't she just take the armour? Suddenly being pulled into the fountain was not what he was expecting. Such a strange liquid, it looked wet yet it was dry.

Though, he shouldn't complain. His Zora set was now completely enhanced, with the help of Sidon's opal. Now Link was more confident in challenging him to a rematch one day. Honestly, he was already grinning, because he knew how the prince would react. His optimism was contagious even now.

I'm almost finished and then I can- Tripping on a root and nearly eating grass, Link deemed that he was too tired to multitask and tried to focus on his footing. He would worry about everything later.

Giving his head a light shake to ruse his awareness, only to feel a prickling sensation on the back of his neck. His hand clasped the nape like he was swatting a bug. Link had felt this before, but it had been growing more irritating over the past few hours. Though the past two days it was more like hair tickling his skin. Now it was just plain uncomfortable, at least applying pressure was helping. Perhaps he had strained a muscle during practice? Yet he noticed something else that was usual with where his hand rested, his heart rate was up.

That couldn't be a good sign and it made Link stop. Pressing his fingers closer to his artery for a better reading. His heart rate wasn't up… it was racing. Almost rapidly he was becoming more aware of things he should have noticed right away. The Hylian's senses had become completely muddled. Unaware that his breathing was long and heavy. Numb to the heat flowing under his skin. His legs beginning to tremble as his insides clenched and throbbed in raising rhythm to match his lungs.

What is… happening… to me? Slumping down against a tree, strength fading fast, Link had to act quickly before he lost consciousness. What to do, what to do!? I need something to help my strength come back, then I need… to cool this fever-

Something snapped, clearing his head for a moment only for it to be flooded with confusing voices and images. Memories of people afflicted by the unknown sickness, watching them tremble and beg for help. Ingo's voice echoing 'It's back' while those amber eyes bore into his mind. An unknown man screaming as he is burned alive. Chanting growing in the distance from an angry mob.

Li-.

Link.

Link!

"Don't tell me that you've been on guard duty all these days." Sidon frowned, disapproving of this choice that was clearly made by Link himself. After all, who would make the Hero of Hyrule miss his own party?

[Monsters are still out there. Someone has to make sure that the people aren't attacked during such a big celebration.] Said the one of reasons of celebration. Fully recovered from the fight against Calamity Ganon that had ended weeks ago.

"I am most certain that everyone gathered for the festival would much rather have you attend the events. This is all in your honour, you are aware of that?"

[It wasn't just me, there was the four guardians and the princess.]

The prince sighed. "I believe you are missing the point, dear Link. It's time for you to do something that you want, not because you feel that you have to."

There was silence between them for a while, just staring. Sidon patiently waiting as Link's gaze would drop every few seconds. He was hesitating again, either from rejection or uncertainty.

[I… I don't know what I want.]

I don't know…

A light tap on his shoulder had him spinning around, ready to fight.

"Woah, easy there boy." A man chuckled. "You okay? You look like you're going to be sick."

Glancing about the forest, it seems as though he had blacked out. Judging by the light coming through the roof of leaves an hour had passed. His body felt hotter than before and his clothing felt itchy on his clammy skin. He tried to stand, but his body refused to listen, muscles tensing as he signed a reply. [I need…]

Link must have made a strange face or spoke the wrong words, because the man quickly stepped back. "You're not– are you…?"

The stranger didn't have to explain, Link understood what he meant. The fever, the sickness, the plague, Ganon's Blight. Fear crept up inside, but he wasn't infected, he wasn't. Link shook his head quickly, this was something else, it had to be.

He must have thought that the Link wouldn't notice, that his senses were completely lost. He saw the man creeping for his blade at his hip, they had intentions to attack. Normally, Link would have been able to disarm in a moment, however doubted that he wouldn't even be able to properly defend himself in this state. But that didn't mean he was going down without a fight, Link glared up at him and shifted his weight away from the tree.

"So, this is where you wondered off to." A woman's voice startled them both and looked her way. A Gerudo? Though she was dressed as a Hylian and her hair was cut in a short bob. She then sighed; eyes fixed on Link with bland disapproval. "… You ate those berries, didn't you?"

Huh?

"I told you they would make you sick, it's your own fault." She scolded him as she approached, holding out her hand in offering assistance. Link may not be fully aware, but he is certain that he has never met this woman. One thing did seem clear, she wanted to help him and that was far better than trying to fight for his life. Thankfully her grip was strong, because lifting his arm felt like swimming through sand.

The man seemed suspicious. "You know this boy?"

Pulling him on his feet, she held him up under his shoulder. The tall woman then made her double-bladed axe more prominent and stepped forward. "He is my son and if you want to fight about it, you better be ready for the wrath of the desert."

Both of his hands went up in surrender. "N-no, I am terribly sorry ma'am. I'll be on my way."

"Humph, voe." She spat under her breath, turning now back to the blond barely standing. "Let's get you home and we'll prepare a remedy."

Still drowsy and unable to understand what was fully going on had him fumbling for words. But it didn't seem like she was going to wait for any sort of answer as he was suddenly swung up onto her shoulder. While awkward, it wasn't so bad until she started running.

"—nk!"

"Link!"

"LINK! LINK! LINK!"

The crowd was in a symphony of chants, growing louder and louder as more people join in. It was almost intoxicating as everything slowed, seconds felt like minutes. Link had already lost track, he could hardly even hear the crowd over the pounding of his heart.

Eight seconds didn't seem like much of a challenge nor did it look as hard watching from the sidelines. But with only one hand grasping the single strap of leather and legs desperately straddling the wild bull, trying not to be thrown off was almost impossible. He hadn't even mounted a horse this ferocious.

Kicking and swaying, jumping and throwing, until Link was launched from the mighty animals back. Tumbling in the loose earth almost all the way to the fence line. The crow dead quickly, expressing a few sounds of sympathy, though there was many that were laughing.

"Link! My goodness, are you alright!?" Sidon was frantic, the whole thing had looked terrifying and that fall his friend just took made him cringe. The prince was just about to call for a healer when the blond rolled over grinning like a fool. Then burst into laughter.

He almost couldn't believe it, Link was laughing. He had rarely seen the young man smile, yet there he was, dusted in dirt and sweat, laughing like a fool. Just when Sidon thought he had seen the last of new discoveries, the Hylian's hands came up.

[That… was… fun! How long did I last? I bet it was more than ten.] Bull riding, who was the crazy nut that came up with that idea? Link had thought the suggestion was ridiculous and almost turned the event runner down, but… he jumped horses all the time.

Sidon's jaw dropped, fun, Link was having fun. In a flash with familiar grin far more genuine, he chuckled. "Would you like me to show you more fun things?"

His laughter dying down, Link scrambled to his feet and ducked under the wooden railing. [Lead the way my friend.] Patting the dirt from his clothing as they went.

It was almost noon and the great open fields of Romani Plains were filled with tents of all sizes and colours. Music could be heard in all directions, some of the melodies overlapping in strange ways. The smell of food flowing on the gentle breeze of the late summer's day. People of all races and ages were going about the sights. Link hadn't bothered with going into the maze of tents before, but he hadn't expected a display quite like this.

Link tapped Sidon's arm to get his attention. [Why are they selling burnt food?]

"Burnt?" The Zora looked in the direction his small friend was pointing, he couldn't spot anything that the stalls were selling that looked burnt. The only thing that he could possibly mean would be the– Sidon's eyes widened. Oh. "Wait but a moment, my friend."

He was not gone long, but he almost missed Link upon returning. The poor hero was being swarmed, everyone wanting to shake his hand or give him something. "Pardon me, but I do not believe that our hero is unable to carry all your wonderful gifts. Perhaps it would be best to leave them at his tent? You cannot miss it, the champion blue with gold flags."

After a few apologies and more hand shaking, the people dispersed. Link gave a heavy sigh of relief. [Thanks for that.]

"Not a problem at all." Sidon beamed and then held out a biscuit sized brown disk half wrapped in patterned paper. Link gave him a dubious look, why did he buy the charred food? "Go on, give it a try. I promise you it's not burnt."

Hesitantly, he took it the offering. Looking it over, it appeared to have the mark of the Goddess pressed into it. It also didn't have much of a smell. Glancing back up at Sidon, he trusted him and he wasn't a prankster, but the prince was looking far too excited about this. Here goes nothing.

Link bit off a small chunk and chewed, slowly at first. But when the sweet flavour quickly began to melt over his tongue, he put the rest of it in his mouth. It was delightful and he couldn't describe the flavour, it was so much more different than a cake or pie. Though in all its tender sweetness, it left a slightly bitter taste after swallowing the last of it.

"You must have enjoyed that quite a bit, if your glowing expression is anything to go by." To which Link stuck his tongue out in retaliation. Sidon chuckled, making a C with his right and then circling over his left. [Chocolate.]

Link's eyebrow rose slightly, not understanding a word he just said so he explained further.

"That sweet is called chocolate. It comes in different flavours depending on colour. That one in particular was milk chocolate."

The warrior practices a few times. [Chocolate.]

"You are a splendid learner, I was a little worried with all the new things you are going to see here."

[No different from hearing a new word. But now look what you've done, I want to try all the food, even if it looks burnt!]

"I will take full responsibility and roll you to your tent when you are too fat to walk." With all seriousness he straightened up and placed his right hand upon his heart.

[You could at least carry me.] Link deadpanned.

But then they both started to snicker and then finally burst into laughter.

It feels good to laugh with someone…

Link draws in a deep breath, something smells good, but he can't figure out what. Head still spinning as he looked about, thankfully she had stopped running a little while ago. He can smell the forest, the earth and possibly some flowers. Yet this scent had no name for it, it just… smelled good. He had to know what it was.

I need to know.

"Stop that." Link heard her say in a firm tone as she swatted at his legs. "You sink enough as it is, don't get yourself all excited."

What did she mean by that? All he was doing was trying to find out what had the nice smell– Oh. It's her scent. The Hylian could feel his face flush, he hadn't meant to act in that way. He wasn't pervert, he wasn't. But every breath he took, it was like it wasn't enough, yet he was drowning in it at the same time.

I need… I need something. He felt deep down in his bones that he knew what it was, but he couldn't remember.

"We're almost there, just hang on a little longer." Her voice was a bit soft this time, almost sympathetic or pitying.

"T—re."

"There."

"There!"

Link whipped the last ball as hard as he could, knocking the wooden Lynel down with a hard thwack! Such a satisfactory sound, the blond gave a twin fist pump. He had hit every target without missing a shot or hitting a villager.

"You truly are a marvel!" Sidon cheered next to him.

"What prize would you like, Master Link?" The elder game host asked with a bright grin. "Take your pick."

Link already knew and pointed instantly to the Blue-Maned Lynel plush. The man happily handed it over. "The last one. Come on by to play again anytime, Master Link."

[Thank you.] Looking over the plush, it was almost as big as himself and very well made. Almost cute for a horrifying, fire-breathing savage monster. Almost.

Sidon held his chin in his fingers, being very refine in his actions. "You are quite lucky I failed the first round."

Link rolled his eyes and shook his head, Sidon couldn't hide jealousy very well. Well that's okay, Link smiled held the plush up towards the red man.

"Hm? I suppose it would be fitting for the loser to carry the winner's spoils." He sounded uninterested, but held a soft smile as he admired the toy.

[It's yours.]

"What..? But you won this." He tried to return it, but the smaller wouldn't take it.

[But you're the one that wanted it.]

"You won this for me?" The prince gasped and looked down at the Lynel with new found joy, all refinement gone in a moment. "Truly!?"

Link grinned in triumph and began to continue on their journey through the festival. [You're welcome big guy.]

The pair practically stopped at every booth to check out goods and games, Link found that target games were really the only ones that he was any good at and Sidon turned out to be a master at the puzzle ones. One type of booth that they never passed by was food stalls, the little glutton had to try anything new at least once. The champion even had a few of his favourites in bags hanging from his arms for later.

The day seemed to get hotter as the hours passed by, but that didn't put a stop to Links bounding curiosity. Though he as quick to take notice that Sidon had been rapidly slowing down. [You getting tired?]

"Oh, I am just getting a tad too warm. But I am otherwise quite alright, no need to worry." Even his smile seemed to be losing a little bit of its usual luster.

"Hm." Link hummed and glanced about. Maybe he could find someone selling elixirs. Though something else caught his eye, a board sign with a painting of snow in a bowl. Well, it looked like snow if the blue flakes were anything to go by, but if it was cold, it should help. [Let's try cooling off with snow.]

"Snow? In this heat?" Sidon questioned as Link lead the way. There was two Rito inside the small wooden shack on wheels that greeted them. There was a faint cool air coming from the open window.

"Welcome, what can we get you?" Canary yellow woman asked cheerfully with a metal scoop in her hands. The windowsill had a listing of flavours and sizes, but the inside looked like it was all frozen. And the counter tops appeared to have the doors on the surface instead of the sides.

Link turned to Sidon. [What's this?]

"Honestly, I am not sure myself."

"You boys new to ice cream? Don't worry you're not the first, it's definitely more of a Rito thing."

"Ice. Cream?"

"Frozen cream with other ingredients, though some of them don't have milk. Pick a flavour you know you like and give it a try."

Link was already going over the list, his new found weakness was there too. Frankly he was shocked it took him this long to discover it, chocolate was almost everywhere. But he was here for new, so what hadn't he tried much of yet…? That one!

"Oh, and what size would you like?"

He replied with arms spanning out as big as they could go. [Large!]

Sidon laughed. "If you're not careful he'll walk away with the whole place. I'll take this one, large as well."

"Coming right up~!" She chirped and turned prepare their order.

"Mister Hero!" Link heard someone call and then all of a sudden, he was taken out at the knees, Sidon swiftly catching him in his arms.

"Careful now. Wouldn't want your clothing to get all dirty again." To which Link huffed and gestured to his dirt covered clothes. There really wasn't much left to get dirty.

"Mister Hero, Mister Hero! Could you sign my sword!? Pretty please!?" Inspecting the cause of his downfall, it was a green Zora child, possibly no older than eight. Well, whatever the age equivalent was for Zora. They were wrapped tightly to his legs, possibly to keep him from running away. But when Link nodded, the child hopped off and pulled forth the toy sword hanging over his shoulders.

With the wooden blade signed and returned to the child, whom all but jumped with glee. The Hylian couldn't help but notice that they were quite flushed. If Sidon is only feeling a little warm, I wonder how the Zora children are handling this heat.

[Where are your parents?]

"Out towards Hylia River getting ready for the big river race and other awesome water games!"

[You're all by yourself?]

"Nope, I'm with a group of kids. A couple big kids too." Pointing in the direction he had come from, indeed there was a school of children wondering about.

"Here you are. One large palm fruit for the Prince and one large acorn butter for the Hero." She set the bowls down on the ledge and took Sidon's ten rupees, but refused Link's. "Boss says you eat for free Hero."

To which Link groaned. It wasn't the first time, almost everywhere he went he had to almost fight with them to take his money. It was awfully generous of everyone, but it didn't mean that he had grown use to it. Then he had an idea and dug for more rupees, placing about five hundreds worth on the ledge. Surprising both the woman and Sidon.

"H-hero?"

[Take this as an advanced payment for any Zora children that need to cool down. The nearest river is quite the distance from the fairgrounds to be travelling frequently… Actually, make that for all children under the age of twelve.]

The Rito started giggling and her cheek feathers fluffed up. "You certainly have a soft spot for children don't you, Hero? I believe that could be arranged."

[Thank you, spread the word if you can and if it's not enough rupees I'll stop by tomorrow to top it off.] He then waved goodbye and as they walked away, he could hear her calling children over for 'A Hero's Treat'.

Now to try his own treat! Taking a big scoop of the light brown frozen ball and taking the whole bite, it was so refreshing. He felt cooler already, but learned quickly to eat it slowly as it sent a sharp pain straight to his head. Link couldn't talk with his hands busy, but he still turned to Sidon with a big grin to show his delight. Though his smile slowly dropped from the unfamiliar expression the large man wore.

Sure, he was smiling, but it was different, softer. Even his golden eyes seemed softer. How long had he been looking at him like that? Now Link had to say something, dropping the spoon in the bowl and biting down on the lip to free both hands, he then turned both upwards. [What?]

"Your splendor truly knows no bounds, here I am admiring you yet again, my dear friend Link." His words were even gentle and hushed, very unlike the loud and boisterous man he knew. "From my own state you took into consideration of others like myself and offered services at your own expense. To young children no less, so that they too many enjoy the festival as much as their little fins will allow them. Thank you on behalf of the Zora, as Prince and as a friend. Thank you."

Link flushed from all the praise. [It wasn't that big of a deal. I'm sure you would have done the same.] Then went back to stuffing his face with ice cream. It was really getting too hot out, maybe it was time for a lunch break in the shade.

Too hot…

"I-is this going to be enough? W-what else should I do?"

"See if we have a lighter set of clothing, preferably something of your brother's."

He could hear voices, but his body was boiling and he didn't want to move yet. Though his saviour had other plans and dropped him onto something plush. Peeking his eyes open, Link seemed to be on the floor in a pile of blankets and pillows. Link was content for now with laying here as he watched the tan woman leave the room.

Link saw a small fireplace to his left, he could picture flames dancing, licking at his skin. He groaned and weakly lifted his body to turn away. It's so hot…

Link suddenly felt hands on his body and despite his state, it surprised him enough to resist the contact. Yet the hands returned, pushing and pulling at him. No! Stop!

"Stop fighting me!" Her hand forcibly holding him down by his neck as Link glared up the Gerudo woman. But she glared right back. "For a fever ridden Hylian you sure are hassle! How many times do I have to say this before you hear me!? You are safe here, I am no longer affected by your scent, but others out there will be. Stinking up half the mountain would have gotten you attacked by now, you're lucky I found you! If you understand that I am trying to help, nod you head."

But there was too much else he didn't understand, he was too confused with both wanting and hating her touch. Link shook his head and began to fight back again. Feebly kicking legs and trying to twist away. No! This, this isn't what I–!

"Argh! You need to cool off or this could kill you, a fever is still a fever! Stupid voe!" With one hand she managed to hold him down by his shoulder and while it took much longer than she would have liked, she had stripped the boy of his clothing.

-o!

No!

NO!

The next thing he knew, Link had plunged into chilling water. He held his breath and tried to swim to the surface, but the current was too strong. Just when he thought he was going to be swept away, Sidon grabbed onto his arm.

"Lost your grip did you?" Cheerfully teasing as he brought them up, Link taking a deep breath before scowling at the fish man. Though he chuckled at the sight of blond hair sticking to the Hylian in odd ways.

[This was not what I had in mind when I said you should have fun with the river race.]

"Come now. We all know that I would have won effortlessly without some sort of challenge. Where is the fun in that for everyone else, hm? Besides, I doubt that you can deny that you miss the rush of swimming through the waters as swiftly as myself."

[Alright then. Let me grab my Zora armour and I'll also take part in the race.]

Sidon tilted his head, puzzled. "And this is part of the challenge how?"

[You aren't allowed to use your arms.]

But I still lost…

"Your soul is visible… Poor thing, you must be terrified." A woman's soft voice reached his ears, then a warm touch to his cheek. Link flinched and opened his eyes, realizing that he was hanging limp over a tub. Lifting his head slowly to get a better look at the woman sitting on the floor near by, she was Sheikah. Was he in Kakariko Village then? It was kind of hard to see much else in the dim light of the room. Luminous stone..? Where's the Gerudo?

"If you're looking for my wife, she is sleeping at the moment. I am looking after you for now, so don't worry."

His mind must be still muddled, he couldn't have been out that long, there was no way it was already nightfall. His whole body ached, but was much more willing and with a little extra effort he was able to slowly stand. To which the woman didn't approve and her small hands were already grasping him.

"W-wait, please hold on. Sir, you can't get out yet, it's the only thing keeping your temperature down." Her voice was hushed and didn't seem to have enough strength to keep him from leaving. Link had a better view now as opposed to sitting, colours were unreliable in the fluttering blue light. But she happened to heavily pregnant, that alone stopped any plan to fight her off to escape.

Giving a sigh of defeat, Link nodded and returned to sit in the water, leaning his back against the tub. But when the bath water became aglow, he was very confused. Strange blue ripples of light slowly danced across his skin, like light on the bottom of a lake on a clam sunny day. Yet it was only on his skin, as though the blue light was coming from him and as he touched it, the light did not react.

"The Sheikah say that the dance of light your soul gives off is the element it is in closest harmony to." She said softly, sitting next to the tub once more and watched him inspect the markings along his arm. "Forgive me, but you seem… confused. Is this the first time seeing your soul?"

When the man nodded, she placed a hand over her mouth in shock, her eyes wide. "I am so sorry, I didn't mean to stare."

This was the first time he had seen any soul truthfully; it was something that everyone seemed to consider more exposing than nudity. All cultures had slightly different views on what it meant when your soul became visible for the first time, yet taught all children how to hide it early on. But there was one other thing that he heard and that was the colour of your eyes reflected the colour of your soul. It was both startling and fascinating to finally see it, the gentle blue glow really was the same colour of his eyes.

"I've never heard of soul awakening taking so long. Um, I know this isn't much of an apology, but allow me to show you my soul so you don't feel so exposed." Creeping along her neck and shoulders a red glow began to show, spreading along her exposed arms and face. The lines were swirls in a mix of smooth and prickled turns, they moved much more swiftly, more alive than his own. "Do you know how to conceal your soul?"

She expected him to shake his head. "I may not be the right person to teach you, but I will tell you the way I learned. First close your eyes… Now picture yourself completely glowing, safe and by yourself…. There is a bowl of paint sitting in front of you, it is the colour of your skin… You use your hands as a brush and carefully paint yourself, hiding your soul underneath… Start with your left arm, following the flow of your heart… Down your left leg… then your right… up your right arm… over your face and down to your belly… now take the bowl and pour the paint down your back…"

When he opened his eyes, his soul was still visible. Slightly disappointing it didn't work the first time, but he really liked the look of light dancing across his skin.

"It takes practice, but it was a good first try. You soul dimmed a bit at one point. Keep practising, it's not normally safe to have your soul exposed, but you are safe here. I promise you that."

Suddenly her soul shimmered in flecks of emerald green, more predominant on the smoother parts. She smiled softly and touched a green swirl before turning to the doorway. A figure encased in shadow stood there. "We are alright, I am sorry to have worried you dearest. Our guest is having a little soul trouble, I am merely comforting him. Please return to bed."

There was a brief flicker of the same pattern that matched the Sheikah woman, yet of reversed prominent colouring, green with flecks of ruby. Then the tall woman left, along with the green glow on the smaller.

"I am sorry if she scared you. She is quite worried about the two of us and feeling my soul must have woken her." The silver hair woman rested both her hands on her swollen middle, her soul seemed to shine a little brighter with her smile. "Though I suppose it won't be much longer now."

[Why did you soul change colour like that?] Amazed he managed to speak without horribly messing up his words. But when she just stared at him without any change in expression, he let it go. He would have to ask through writing later.

Link rested his head on the back of the wooden tub and closed his eyes. He might as well practice while he had someone willing to teach him. Though he wondered what other colours there were, what kinds of patterns danced across other people's skin.

om

Bang

BOOM

It was louder than any thunderstorm and brighter than any star. The last night of the festival had a 'fireworks' show and he honestly expected something a lot less noisy. Link was use to bombs going off, but these fireworks made his chest bounce like a war drum with every pop. He held both hands tightly over his chest for now and looking to Sidon, he didn't seem to mind any of this. His scales shimmering as they reflected the colourful explosions that lit up the midnight sky.

Honestly Link should have thought something was off about this whole event to start the night festivities. Coming all the way out here, far away from the festival grounds and setting themselves up a spot before the sun had even fully set. It was something he should have questioned as there was no stage or place for a bonfire.

Though this was one of the times where speaking hands worked better, as after a couple minutes Sidon turned to face him. His toothy grin so wide it was messing up the Blupee painting on his right cheek. [So what do you think of your first festival?]

Link flopped backwards onto the grassy hillside and took a deep, tried breath. [It's far too crowded and loud. The length of lines is crazy sometimes, that one where we had to wait over an hour was the worst! Food was completely overpriced. I'm also certain that we missed a lot of events because people kept stopping us.]

Sidon's smile had gradually dropped as Link spoke. He had the impression that his friend had a wonderful time over the past three days. The Hylian had never smiled so much or laughed, he still couldn't believe that he had gotten the other to laugh. Had the Link put up a front for the prince so he could enjoy the festival?

The prince turned away, glancing at the Lynel toy next to him and it made him frown. Maybe this had been a bad idea from the start?

A light punch to his arm had him looking back at the blond. Link was grinning like a fool and did something for the first time. [ N.] He called him by name, which took more effort than saying the word prince or Zora. [Thank you.]