Previously…
Their reunion after four year was far from quiet, Sidon's gift of the giant horse wreaked the palace hall. Then they shared a frightening first ride. But Sidon manages to convince Link to stay the night and give him riding lessons.

The simple morning lesson nearly became Sidon's deathbed. As he is attack by a unknown creature that resembles a Rito, it is not a fight they win, but one that the attacker abandons. Link manages to save Sidon's life with the help of Mipha's aid.

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


As he was aided in sitting upright, the dizziness from blood loss had faded away wistfully as waking from a dream. Sidon looked to his right arm, recalling the gaping wound that it once was, the exposed bone and torn flesh. Yet now, it was like it never happened and even as he brushed his hand over the area, there wasn't even the faintest trace of a mark. Not a soul indication of the savage red carving that was once chiselled across his core. There was no strain, no twinges of pain, nothing.

Curling his fingers together and then individually, rolling his shoulders and lightly flexing his biceps. His right arm, both arms felt… normal. It would forever be astounding to him at just how powerful a single touch of his sister's magic was. Mipha's healing truly was; had been, a miracle.

While it was saddening to be unable to recall the last time his dear elder sibling had tended to his wounds in person. It was not a feeling of melancholy that filled Sidon's heart, no, it was one of solace. He knew that she could never again come to his aid, but there was a strong comfort in the thought that she was still watching over him.

With his gaze temporarily fixed on the rejuvenated skin, the Zora prince wore a fond, yet lonely expression before he began to speak. "I had forgotten… The strength of my sister's magic. It has an almost warm feeling, do you not agree-?"

Though his words trailed off as the Hylian abruptly stood up from beside him and promptly turning away when Sidon tried to meet his eyes. Both confused and growing concerned, the prince gently called out to him. "Link?"

However, the other did not respond and Sidon knew that he was only pretending that he did not hear. Busying himself with the horses that returned to them, checking for wounds or something. His actions seemed very rigid, unsure with his steps like he would fall down at any moment. Wait, could it be-?

Sidon quickly got to his feet and reaches out to grasp the shorter man's shoulder. "Are you truly injured after all!?"

But at the contact Link whipped around to swipe the other away, fast enough to be considered an attack. It certainly left Sidon's forearm stinging from the impact of the other's armoured limb. He was about to yell, to question Link's unneeded hostility, but anything he was about to say simply died in his throat. There was something he was not expecting, to see Link suddenly so pale and glaring at him with such silent fury, eyes glistening with un-shed tears.

"You're– Are you alright?" He asked carefully as he massaged his sore arm. While still displeased with being struck, Sidon had a feeling that there perhaps more going on.

[Don't ever do that again.] Link signed, his gestures shaking slightly from repressed actions. He felt like a bow pulled taut, over drawn, with an arrow still awaiting release. Link could still feel the drum under his ribs, pounding to the song of battle. The bellows stoking the fire in every breath, burning with every intake. It was all familiar, but all so different and he hated it, he wants these feelings to end.

"Touch you..?" The prince's words reeled the warrior from sinking further into muddled sensations and thoughts.

Though it did not help in giving any sort of relief from the overwhelming emotions. [No!] Was Sidon dense? What else in this very moment could Link possibly mean? Or was everything that had just transpired been an every other day occurrence to the man? Like this normal. Like this was fine. Like it didn't matter. [Acting reckless like you did earlier! You should have focused on defending yourself.]

Sidon's concern quickly flipped to irritation. "I was not reckless in my actions, I did what was needed to be done. Two against one have far better odds with an unknown enemy."

[Have you no self preservation!? You could have died!] Why don't you get it!?

"Don't be a hypocrite! You are always throwing yourself into danger!"

[I am the one with armour. I am the one with weapons. I am the one without a disadvantage of being on land!] Why don't you understand!?

"That beast could fly so your justification has no merit!"

Link clenched his jaw so tight it hurt, but it hurt ever so much more when he tried to open it. The way his throat burned and twisted as he felt like he was struggling to breathe. It hurt, it hurt so much he just– he just wanted to scream. But his lungs would never fill enough before his body forced him to expel sharp, rapidly increasing gasps.

[What is wrong with you!? I am the only one capable! Me, no one else! You weren't chosen by the goddess! Your body hasn't been altered like mine-!] Why?! Why, Sidon, why!?

"Link."

[-but I can! Swords, clubs, arrows, axes– even bombs! My body has taken it all. I can handle more than anyone, don't you understand?]

"Link, slow down-"

[Then I'll show you! Maybe that will be clear to you!] He grasped one of his gauntlets, gloved fingers fumbling over the straps. Frustration only continued to boil out of control as he was unable to work with the slick equipment and wat-definitely blood-no, no, water. It's water and the trick of the dawn light. The armour- it's not blood, it's not-soaked hands. But he could not keep a strong enough hold on the buckle and slipped through his fingertips. Then again and again and again. The metal clattering and skipping over each other began to become a steady ring in his ears.

"Link, maybe you should-"

Abandoning his original goal, Link turned back to his horse and yanked a hidden dagger out from under the front jockey of the saddle. Sidon flinched in surprise at the sight of the blade being drawn and quickly rushed for the weapon. But it only became all the more clear to the Zora that something was gravely wrong with Link when it was so easy to disarm him. Though he did not hesitate to throw it away just in case the Hylian tried to reclaim it.

"Link! Get a hold of yourself-!" But Link's unreadable gestures didn't cease and Sidon's words didn't reach him.

[I was born for this! This is my duty!]

His hands were moving so rough and quick, it was like he was fighting off something.

[Mine and mine alone! The sole purpose that I was made for!]

Punching, slapping, and pulling, it even sounded like a fight. And Sidon couldn't take it anymore. It didn't matter what he was trying to say, the Hylian man was lost to whatever had consumed his mind. If he wouldn't hear him, then he would have to try physical.

It was simple to grab hold of such small hands. "Link, stop! You're going to hurt yourself!" But by the sudden change in Link's widening eyes, the other knew that it was about to become a real struggle.

"YEHAAA!" Link screams like he's charging down an enemy. Quickly beginning the fight to free his arms, tugging violently to the point of nearly throwing Sidon off balance. The Hylian seems to have lost it, like a hare caught in a snare.

I was built for this!

But the Zora made the horrible mistake of lifting the Hylian from the ground. As Link swings his legs back and then kicks forth just under the other's ribs with full strength. Sidon's mouth opens as if to cry out, however he only gasps as all the air is forced from his lungs. He wheezes in pain as he tries to not only breathe, but to keep his tight hold on the small man.

I was forged for this!

Unfortunately while his grip held out; his arms had given up, dropping Link. Then the split second his feet reached the uneven ground of the marsh, Link bolted to the tall man's side, planting one foot and twisting with all his might. Before Sidon could blink, he was plucked and swung above the Hylian's head.

I am the weapon!

Link dropped first, adding momentum to Sidon's fall, making it all the more painful as his backside was whipped onto the loose soil. It being soaked and pliable did not soften the blow in the least. He still lacked proper airflow to do more than wheeze once more in pain. But he was luckily coherent enough to know he had less than a second to act, because his grip had just let up.

I am the shield!

Rolling to his hands and knees, he avoided Link's next wild blow, but not the one after that. As Link charged his shoulder into Sidon's collarbone with enough power to tackle them both backwards into shallow water. To the Zora's relief, he could breathe again as water flowed over his un-assaulted gills.

Iron…? No, it's blood- While he realized that the scent meant that he had fallen back into the very waters where he had been bleeding out before. Sidon also took notice of a wavering look in Link's wild eyes as he righted himself atop his scaled torso. But it seemed to be fading fast as the Hylian raised his fist to go for the attack.

I am the Divine Be-!

"LINK!" He shouted as loud as he could physically muster and wrap his arms around the smaller, pulling him in close. Link wriggled in his hold, he was stronger with adrenaline still coursing through his veins. Sidon knew that he was on the losing end of this struggle, but he had to hold out. He had to. For Link was suffering.

Suffering from something that he knew all too well. While he wanted to scold himself for being so idiotic, so insensitive, so damn blind! Link came before any of that. Sidon took every hit, every jab, every kick and every angry outcry. Yet, with every affliction, the prince held him and spoke through the pain, as softly as he could. "I'm sorry, my treasured friend. I'm so sorry, please forgive me, Link."

He apologized over and over as Link's struggling slowly began to weaken and with that so did Sidon's hold. He felt that the other was finally calming down, till he swore he saw a flicker of blue light and Link's arms were suddenly uncomfortably wrapped around his gills. For a split second, he feared that those small hands would dig under the folds and rip them from his body.

But quickly relaxed as Link rested his head on Sidon's shoulder and began to take long, though still quite shaky, breaths.

~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~

They laid there embraced in silence, till the rose dawn sky turned blue and longer still after Link's breathing had returned to an even steady pace. Carefully, in case further contact was unwanted, Sidon touched his cheek to Link's head.

"I…" Sidon hesitantly stumbled over his words. He did not want to bring ruin to the peace that had been made, but he understood that talking about what had happened would be better in the end. For both of them. "I know that I am no healer. But I do believe that your initial shock has passed. Though if the feeling still lingers for the time being, it is normal so do not worry."

Link stirred, but did not lessen their embrace nor move away. Sidon believed he was listening closely. Possibly waiting to hear an explanation before questioning. .

"I may be wrong, but my near death was likely the cause." The Hylian stiffened under his touch. "With being healed completely, I dismissed the previous predicament without a second thought. Because I was no longer wounded, it did not cross my mind that there was any need for further concern. However, I failed to realize your feelings and for that I am gravely sorry, Link."

There was a brief pause before Sidon continued down a sensitive path. "I know of how the loss of the Champions weighs heavily upon you," A lengthy letter that Sidon won't soon forget, but one that he wishes to, if not free him from, ease Link's pain. He blames himself for so much, blocking out any possible thoughts that maybe it wasn't his fault. Though no matter how much Sidon tries to tell him otherwise, Link turns a blind eye. One day, Sidon knows, one day Link will finally see. "That this… what had happened to me, it must have reminded you of Mipha."

The Hylian begins to sit up and the Zora lets his arms fall away to rest at their side. Link's eyes are only hidden behind his bangs for a moment before making eye contact with the prince below him. Sidon gave a small gasp of surprise at the sight of redness around Link's eyes, the faint reflection of light coming off remnants of tears and the overall vulnerable expression. He couldn't believe that he had been completely unaware of the other's crying, he swore that he hadn't heard a sound.

"Link, I-"

[I can't lose you.] Link's words felt like the weight of a mountain had been dropped on his heart, breathing was impossible so speaking was lost to him. [You almost died, I can't… not you, please.]

With one arm wrapping around Link's back for support, Sidon sat up with Link sliding into his lap. "You aren't. I am still here so there is no need to cry, Link." He said calmly and gave a reassuring smile.

[Cry?] He questioned before he seemed to realize. Though it wasn't the only thing he was beginning to notice, he didn't feel like himself, like he was suddenly going to be sick and brought with it a returning sense of panic. [I didn't-] The rest of his words just became nervous fidgeting.

"It's all alright, shock can have that effect. It's going to be alright, Link." The Zora lifted his right hand as an offering, with a mix of confusion and hesitation the Hylian lifted his left in the same fashion. The blond's gloved fingertips grazed over the white palm before the other carefully laced their hands together. "I've got you, Link, I've got you. There is nothing to fear anymore. We are both safe and sound."

With his free hand, Sidon wiped the tears from Link's face. It was a brief and tender moment till Sidon realized that he was just adding more wetness to his face. Having forgot all about the shallow waters of the marsh they were still sitting in. Lifting his hand away, he mumbled a quick and embarrassed apology. To which Link gave a soft snort of amusement, lips breaking into a small smile as he tilted his head back into the other's hand. Both men then sharing in a light chuckle of the awkward, but comforting action before the warrior settled into the welcoming grounding presence the prince offered him.

~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~

"Link." Sidon called after he had mounted up. "May I ask you something about– about earlier? By all means you may decline, but I admit I am concerned."

While slightly hesitant, Link still allowed it and gave a nod for the man to continue.

"You had said something about your body being… different or changed? During that moment and the time after, I could hardly understand you at all."

Link visibly flinched, "Forgive me! It was too soon for me to be asking!" but Sidon was wrong. It wasn't the question, for he would answer regardless, it was not being heard. Heard in the sense that Link could convey his thoughts and feelings to another. If he could speak, the swelling lump in his throat would have prevent it. It's a frightening sensation to wash over oneself, to call out to another or cry for help or say anything and for it to reach no one. For no one to understand. It's worse than being alone. It's like being forgotten, being nothing.

He rubbed his aching throat for a moment before answering. [I was more or less rambling in frustration. But in times that I prepare myself for a big fight, I often tell myself that I am the Divine Beast of Hyrule.]

"Oh!" Sidon perked up in full swing of interest and excitement, his bright as sunshine smile soothing Link's pain. If only a little. "That is one grand form of motivation, my friend, and quite honourable too. A mighty symbol of hope and triumph over adversity! It would make quite the war cry. Vah Link, Divine Beast of Hyrule!"

Resisting the urge to laugh, the Hylian shook his head. [Alright, alright. Don't go spoiling my secret now. Let's get a move on or we'll be missing breakfast with your father.]

"Ah. Yes…" His enthusiasm withered. "Breakfast with father will be… wonderful." While the news of this morning's attack would be important to pass on, it was the memory from last night that had him filled with dread. Not to mention that Zelda was likely to join in on it all. Grand.

~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~

"It is very likely that this attacker was of the Rito people from land to the south that Princess Yanun once called home." Dorephan concluded grimly after Sidon finished explaining this morning events over breakfast.

"I've only heard a small amount of what transpired from the Princess herself, but is it not possible that this is work of a monster rather than that of a person?" Zelda questioned after thinking over everything once more. "Take into account of what they said, even if it was amidst the fight, hardly anything made sense. It was as though they were merely mimicking things that they had heard."

This was something that Sidon could also accept, though whether they were dealing with a person or creature was of little interest as of the moment. "That is also a possibility, but my main concern above all else is that thing is still out there. Father," The prince stood from the table and turned to faced the king. "from all that we have told you. What do you believe is the best course of action, should Princess Yanun's people be given warning and post more guards or should I form a hunting party to take down this threat?"

"Nothing direct at this moment."

"Pardon?" Sidon was shocked. "But why? This matter should be dealt with before someone else gets hurt!"

"You have a big and kind heart Sidon, more so than that of even our dear Mipha. You want to protect all of those that fall into your fold and while that is admirable, you have yet to learn that ideal is not possible. Now please show some patients and hear out your old father." All the prince could do was comply and gave a nod that he was listening. "Before you raise alarm to a group of survivors still recovering from their loss, take a look at this situation in its most basic forms. As far as our knowledge takes us; we have one threat with no definite goal. We know not where they come from or if they intend to strike again."

While what the king was saying was true, Link felt like they were being slighted. Though Sidon refused to have his father find out the full extent of the wounds he had received; twisting the truth slightly that it was Link that had been greatly injured, this was still a foe that had nearly killed one of them in a matter of a few moments. This creature or whatever it was, was not only strong, they had enough skill and wits to take out their target swiftly. Link felt that if anyone other than himself were to be surprised attacked alone or even in a small group of three, that they would surely parish at their talons.

"With so little, the best we can do as rulers is keep the peace and not bring fear back to those in our care. That is not to say that there will be nothing done. The Captain of the guard shall be informed and should any further information or sightings be brought to our attention, we will work forward from there."

"Your judgment is not wrong, father. Forgive my haste, given my position, I should have known better and used logic rather than emotion." Sidon regrettably admitted, his mood withering as his shoulders dropped slowly in defeat. This scene was like watching two parts of himself that Link fought with constantly, the desire to protect everyone from harm and the knowledge of how he can only save those within arm's reach. Looking up at Sidon, he felt as though he needed to do something to bring the Zora to stand firm once again. This small expression of failure that the prince wore felt wrong and even began to make Link feel faintly ill.

King Dorephan gave a light chuckle and reached down to place a hand at his son's side. "You have the makings of a grander king than even I, my dear boy. Do not lose faith in your choice to do what you believe is right, as well to never forget that no mortal could ever obtain enough wisdom to know all. Even a person whom leads must also turn to those who follow."

The token of comfort his father gave was enough to regain his composure and even brought back a smile. "Thank you, father."

"With the heavy topic now dealt with, perhaps it is time to explain how two lovely young ladies managed to make my dear son run away in fear?" The king grinned ear to ear and gave his son a playful tap on the shoulder with one finger. While Sidon tired not to lose face, Zelda across from him burst into laughter. The small family breakfast was soon lighthearted once more.

~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~

With humiliation of breakfast over, it had come to the moment that Sidon dreaded. Link leaving. He hated himself for it, but at this very moment of walking the smaller man down to the main square, he was racing to find a reason for Link to stay. He had at least a day left off duty, didn't he? I have already asked for more than I originally requested. Do I really have the right to continue keeping him here?

As Link stepped off the last step, Sidon panicked and called out without thinking. "Link, wait!"

[Yes?] He signed as he turned to look back up at him, calm and collect.

"I–" The prince didn't know what to say and every second he waited his heart only ached. All this had been against the agreement, their promise from years ago. But Sidon couldn't let them separate again. There was still so much that he wanted to share, so much that he was holding back, so much he wanted to say. To show Link just how much he admired and cherished him. To tell Link just how much he wanted to be at his side. All how Sidon had foolishly and helplessly came to this from the fragile ties of paper. Without touch, sight, or sound for four long years. "You still have time… Must you go?"

Honestly, Link hesitated as he looked away. He wished he could simply say 'I'll stay', but his twisting insides and the ache of his neck reminded him of his current duty. This whole journey had been beyond risky, field testing the medicine this soon left many opportunities for things to go horribly wrong. His current state was within his control, irritating at best, but after the morning attack he had already taken the orange dose twice and kept a vile of purple on his person in case of emergencies. To say that he was nervous would be an understatement, he had no way of telling if anyone that he came within ten feet was of his kin or if he had enough mint extract to hide his scent. So far there had been no reactions from anyone that was out of the ordinary.

No, stay focused. You have a mission, there is a hidden war brewing. Link shook his head and returned his gaze upwards, ready to tell his dear friend that he had to leave. Only to find that Sidon was no longer looking his way, in fact he seemed transfixed on the far entrance to the domain. He tried to see what the other was looking at, but there was nothing demanding attention among the landscape or sky.

The Hylian took one step back up towards the Zora and froze when he could have sworn their gold eyes glowed. Then Sidon broke from whatever had taken hold of him with a slight jolt. "That's… not good." Link had to strain to hear him whisper, Sidon never whispers.

What's going on? [Are you alright?]

The prince flinched before speaking normally, though he appeared to be in great unease. "Oh! Um, yes, quite well. So sorry that I lost focus, I– there is something that I must see to right away! Would you please await my return so that I may properly see you off?"

[Well-]

"Thank you so much! I will not be long, Link!" He then took off in a full sprint back up the winding staircase.

What was that about? I've never seen or heard of Sidon acting this way.

"Oi! Master Link!" The Hylian turned his head towards the familiar voice at the other side of the square. Sure enough it was Bazz, waving his arms like a fool. I'm waiting around anyways. Might as well see what that brat is up to.

~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~

"Prince Sidon acting weird?" Rivan repeated with mild confusion, while Bazz burst out in a fit of laughter. This was not at all amusing to Link, he was seriously concerned with Sidon's unusual behaviour.

"Oh master Link!" Bazz wheezed, tears in his eyes. "Our dear Prince would only ever act that way around y-" The brown Zora swiftly elbowed him in the gut to stop him from speaking.

"Pardon him, as we both know. Bazz has no tact. No, this behaviour is not out of the ordinary, but it is something that you would have to ask the prince himself. It can be a rather sensitive matter."

With a heavy sigh, Link let it go and with Sidon still having not returned, he settled on a different topic. [I see that you two have not changed. How is our brave warrior?]

Rivan smiled and Bazz, having quickly recovered from the attack, beat him to the punch. "Gaddison is a mother now! Can you believe it? That harder than steel woman got together with someone!"

That was surprising news indeed, Link felt he should give congratulations, but the last bit puzzled him. Someone? They don't know who the father is?

"Are you talking behind by back again?" All three of the men jumped at the sound of Gaddison's voice.

"Damn it! How is it that you always find a way to sneak up on us?" Bazz complained and turned around to glare at her.

"For Caption of the Royal Guard, you should be ashamed of your lack of perception." The pink Zora sighed and shook her head.

Link rolled his eyes as the two of them arguing back and forth over petty things. Though what she was carrying caught his interest, it looked like a woven basket of underwater plant life. Being at just the right height, he took a peek and was surprised to see it was full of water. There was something large and shiny resting at the bottom, half covered in plants. An opal? Link reached in to confirm, but before he could even touch it, someone grabbed hold of him and yanked him back.

"Master Link!" Bazz hissed and glared down at the smaller man. "That is very rude! You should always ask before touching someone's egg! Even children know better."

He gave a small glare back and pulled himself free of the black Zora's hold. [Egg?]

"Easy there, Bazz." Rivan spoke up gently and gave his friend a pat on the back. "Try to keep in mind that there is still much that he does not remember."

"There was no harm done so everyone can calm down." Gaddison smiled and then sat down with the basket resting in the cross of her legs. With both hands she lifted the white orb from its watery bed, perfectly round, a little bigger than a Spirit Orb and if the sun hit it just right, it shimmered in light pink. "Here, Master Link. You are welcome to touch."

Stepping forward, Link carefully placed his gloved hand on the smooth surface. Flinching his hand away, he quickly stated, [It's soft!]

"It is, but rest assured the shell is still quite strong." And as the curious Hylian went back to exploring her egg, she decided to fill him in on some of the common knowledge. "It takes three to four months for an egg to develop. After the egg is laid, the shell is slightly transparent, but it becomes like this after a year."

He was taken back. [A year? How long does it take for a child to be born?]

"Two and a half years." Rivan supplied and then added in. "Though my daughter was late so it was almost three years."

The difference between a birthday and a names day is starting to make much more sense now. [So how much longer until your child is born?]

"About six months." Gaddison smiled fondly as she caressed her thumbs alongside the egg.

[May I hold it?] Link requested after a moment, he had a hard time denying that he wasn't a little excited by this all. She nodded her head in reply and carefully placed the delicate package in his hands. He could feel the shell give a little under its own weight and it was a tad heavier than expected. Then all of a sudden, he felt something move against his hands and it must have shown on his face, because Bazz was suddenly losing his mind.

"They moved, didn't they!? By Hylia! Why is it that everyone gets to feel them move except me!? That's so unfair! I want to experience it too!" The poor guy looked like he was going to dramatically burst into tears.

"Perhaps they simply hate you, because you're ridiculously loud all the time." The young woman suggested with no emotion.

"That's got nothing to do with it and you know it! The prince is louder than I and he's even felt them kick!"

Link chuckled and wiggled his eyebrows at Bazz, without signing he hoped the other would still catch on. And catch on he did as he did a one eighty from disappointed to irritated.

"Oh don't you even start, fanclub-earring-boy. We got enough members squealing over the prince, they are not going to be another!"

He hated how the other two chuckled at him and his; without a doubt, reddening cheeks. Looking back down at the egg, feeling the tiny life wiggling and growing within. He wondered if it would be a girl and become a noble fighter like her mother. Overall, Link couldn't find the words to express the small feelings that were fluttering around in his chest.

Handing back the egg, Gaddison returned it to the water and wrapped some plants over top. "Honestly, I'm still quiet nervous about becoming a parent."

[I'm sure you'll do just fine. You strong and always have been a fast learner.]

"Thank you, master Link. If you have faith in me, I'm certain I'll succeed."

"You are the great Hero of Hyrule." A deep voice rose up from a small distance, they were seeking confirmation, but spoke in a manner of disappointment.

The group all turned their gaze towards the slow approaching Zora, his posture lax and arms crossed arrogance. Eyes narrowed and honed on the blond haired man, transfixed as though he was the only one present. But the darkness of violet brought no fear to the luminosity of blue in projecting an unprovoked sensation of a hunt.

Link had never seen a Zora like this one before, a towering being made of silver and adorn with marks of war. Air of a conqueror wrapped around him like a suit of armour that was freshly painted in the blood from a slain enemy. To many, a presence like this would bring one an audience of admiration, of respect, of unwavering loyalty and sometimes of love or fear. But this illusion did not work on the Hylian champion, very much like how his own countering aura would do nothing to stir the giant.

For what warrior would be frightened by a mirror, by their very reflection.

This man knew what he was just as much as Link knew what he was. The only difference between them was that Link had half the mind not to carelessly assault those around with such an overbearing and manipulating presence.

"If you're the strongest that this land has to offer, then wouldn't defeating you make me the most powerful being in the land?" The intruding Zora said after a moment of waiting for someone else to reply. The way he spoke was confusing to the Hylian, his words were slow and smooth, his tone carried little emotion and yet filled with hidden toxicity. Candidly threatening him while expressing harmless disinterest, as though no one would dare challenge his motives like they were facing a curious child.

"Watch your next words. Sado." Bazz didn't hesitate to spit back, taking a heavy step forward, but did not move to hide Link in anyway. "For if I ever hear you disrespecting Link or any of Hyrule's heroes for that matter, I'll deal with you personally."

"Link?" Sado's gaze hadn't even broke away to look at the black Zora. Faking knowledge and deciding to play at a little ignorance. A small twisted smile grew as he crouched to be closer in eye level. "Your name is Link?"

To which the other nodded, calm and collect. Well, it would seem as though the little sharp-ear has thick skin. Let's see how much it will take before he snaps. "Terribly sorry to hear that, were your parents tinkerers? Or perhaps seers to know that you would become a part of a great prophecy?"

While Bazz, Gaddison, and Rivan grew visibly agitated, Link was swift in speaking before one of them did something brash. [I do not know, though I believe that to be unlikely in either case.]

"Yeah, so." The black clicked his tongue and showing a bit of a sharp snarl. "It goes without saying that one or both his parents would have been a skilled fighter."

"Skilled or not. I find it quite rude of you, little one, to speak in code to your follower and ignore me. Are you so full of pride that I am unworthy to be spoken to?" Said the silver in distaste. "Even my quiet captain graces me with small talk. Are you that disrespectful and judgmental? Is it my appearance or the opinion that one there?"

"You arrogant-!" Bazz snapped, but promptly ceased when the Hylian held up his hand.

Breaking eye contact with Sado, he turned slightly towards Rivan, knowing that he would pick up quickly.

"…I apologize." Rivan began, glancing to the taller Zora, a sign that this was directed at him. "I have grown use to those closest to me understanding the language of hands that I have forgotten that most still do not know it. I mean no disrespect, but I am unable to speak. If it pleases you and someone is willing to translate, we may converse this way."

The foreigner was silent for a moment, whatever his thoughts may be, it eventually brought him to express a small form of confusion. "You… are unable to speak at all?"

"No, not words at least. At best I can make brief sounds or shout."

"How were you able to communicate without assistance on a normal bases?"

"Outside of work and friends, I have a means of writing on hand."

Sado is once again silent and this time absentmindedly begins to pick at his black claws. Hums a little bit as he looks Link up and down, checking him over for something. Then suddenly, like a trap springing, "So you're lame then." the man's blunt words set Bazz on a downhill rampage.

"Bastard! How dare you!"

But his outrage was easily ignored by them all. Even though Sado could tell that the other two Zora were holding themselves back, he was having a very hard time reading the Hylian. So far not to bad… for a sharp-ear. "I bet I could beat you in a fight."

"Impossible! He'd kick your ass before you could say Zora!" Bazz defended in full confidence.

Rivan then piped up; though not before punched his friend in the shoulder even if it was all in vain to knock some sense back into him, resuming translation on the hero's behalf. "I politely decline the offered challenge at this time."

"Still playing humble? Come now, all us warriors are itching for a good fight with new opponents. Even this little one here without a brain knows that." What is it going to take, what is it that triggers that bloodlust? I know you have it.

"I've already had my fill of fighting today and I have duties to return to. Perhaps another time."

Sado opened his mouth to try and press on with a fight, but Bazz beat him to it. "Link doesn't have to take your petty challenge, unless you think that you could have stood a chance at fighting Calamity Ganon. Take a fucking hint and piss off, you snake!"

A thin creepy grin stretched across his face and practically purred with amusement. That's it. Thanks for the tip, little one. "Ganon, eh? The beast of destruction? Heh." Then just like that, his expression fell to dull interest as he stood up. "After meeting you, little one, I have serious doubts that it was really that dangerous. Old tales must have made fools of everyone, turning them into cowards. Leaving their faith in a lowly sharp-ear that was fortunate to have memory loss or too stupid to know otherwise… Hmm, well I guess stupidity is far better than cowardice."

Show it to me. Come on! Come on!

"You apparently had been defeated a hundred years ago and were asleep for most of it. If this creature didn't change, how is it now that you could slay it? It couldn't have been with true strength. Muscle grows weak with disuse and yours was unused for more than your own species lifetime. Or perhaps, who you think you are died and you aren't really you, but someone or something else?"

[He can say what he wants about me, don't let it get to you. He wasn't here, he doesn't know our hardships.] Link signed, remaining calm on the surface regardless of how some of his words snagged on the stitching of old wounds and fears. But he could take this nonsense, bitter words, steadfast hatred, accused failure–

"How weak and pathetic the champions must have been."

Link's world intently ground down to a halt, everything seemed to have stopped except for the two of them. Trapped in some accursed plain of existence.

"Four warriors of superior species fall. And this pathetic mute was the one to be victorious?"

Sound in his ears humming into higher frequencies, till it's all but a faint pitched squeal. All but Sado's words, which thundered in his head.

"Honestly, I've lost all what little respect I had for those warriors. Especially the one they call Mipha, she's a mockery to her people and a stain on their already shameful history. They're more better off than dead. She's better off for-"

Then in a snap, the world around him came back to life, his body was on fire and wound tight like a coil. He didn't even have to think about letting go, no, this deep seeded emotion sprung forth on its own. Link lunged to his left and propelled himself off the railing to reach Sado's towering height, making him eat his own teeth. The force of the blow sent the silver Zora stumbling back towards the shallow pools that surrounded Mipha's memorial.

Though it did not end there, no, not quite yet. While he was still in a small state of surprise and spitting out loose teeth with globs of blood, the small warrior charged forward. Dropping to his side and sliding swiftly without resistance between his target's legs, Link then grasped hold of the Zora's overly long head fin. In one clean motion, he used the end of Sado's head fin to right himself a short distance behind and sending the other teetering. That is when Link yanked with all his might, sending Sado hurtling backwards to the marble floor with a loud thwack.

Rolling over and beginning to right himself, Sado chuckled. "Heh, heh, that kind of tickled. I knew that y-" Cut off from a roundhouse kick to the left side of his jaw, he didn't even get a moment to spit the fresh swell of blood before he right side of his jaw was assaulted with harsh jab of Link's knee. But the small one was right to jump clear from reach the second after, as his opponent lashed out with his claws.

"Well, well, well... I suppose you are not as stupid as I thought." Sado grinned, quite a few teeth clearly missing and standing up as he wiped his thumb across his blood covered chin. "I have met so very few that can read my intent so well. Surely…"

He trailed off when his eyes locked once more with the Hylian. Watching this small man pose to strike, eyes burning in silent, burning fury, his very presence declaring a warning of raw strength and unwavering will. With the stories he had heard and the powerful air about him, Sado believe that he had been the same. A battle crazed, bloodthirsty savage. But something was different. What was different?

Only one way to find out~. He thought to himself with glee and then went on the offensive, tugging Link violently towards him by his very own head fin that the other just didn't seem to want to let go of. The fight resumed the sudden exchange of blows and a crowd had begun to quickly gather.

"Kick his ass! Make him regret ever spouting such treacherous words against Princess Mipha!"

"Is that the best you got!?"

"Scum! And after all we've done to make your people feel welcome!"

"Gotten a little too comfortable with your title there, Sado? Don't let the sharp-ear get the best of you now!"

The people of the Domain came in support of Link and to join in defending their saint's honour, urging the hero on to punish the other more. The few that were of the silver folk had merely come to spectate the fight, cheering and mocking either party for form or tact. They even openly began to declare bets; much to the other Zoras further outrage, on whom would win or how long the poor creature would last.

"Tell me, little one." Sado began after another one of his blows was just barely blocked in time. "Do you want to kill me? Do you want to see my bloody corpse laying at her stone feet as an offering?"

Link replied with a firm shake of his head and then delivered a powerful blow of his fist to the man's gills. This forced the first pained cry that either of them had made and it brought the towering man to his knees. Before he had even the slightest chance to recover, Link tackled him down into the shallow pool of water, swiftly straddling his chest and then began give Sado's face a whirlwind of punches.

A blunt assault on his face was something he could easily handle, even turn the tides from such a wild attack. But something shocked him, so unbelievable, so unpredictable it made him drop his guard. N-no way! He can't be–!

"Stop this at once!" Sidon's voice boomed across the platform and Link stilled in that instant, glaring eyes remaining locked on his target and his fist hanging ready for another jab. The Zora prince skipped the stairs and leapt from the balcony to the main square. "What is the meaning of this." He did not ask, he demanded.

The blond got off of the silver man, turned to Sidon and gave a low bow. He remained that way until the last of the crowd's murmurs died out, then righted himself to face the tall man. [I acted on impulse, while it might not have been right, I do not take it back. I only hope that you can forgive me for not dealing with this more properly.]

Sidon had to swallow a small lump in his throat, for seeing Link bow to him… It was so wrong. It was greatly upsetting, it made his stomach twist in horrible ways and left a foul taste in his mouth as he spoke. "I do not believe that it was something to take lightly if you were driven on raw emotion alone. What was it that was said or done to force you to act this way?"

Link hesitated for a moment. [I do not wish to say.]

"And why is that?"

[Because it would hurt you.]

This startled Sidon, what could have possibly happened? "It would hurt me?"

"Oh, how sickeningly sweet of you." Sado's voice was soft with glee, swaying a little as he stood, the blows to the head had left him feeling off balance. "After all that, you; rather than rat me out, would rather swallow your pride to spare the Prince the displeasure? Heh haha ha! What a marvellous specimen you are! A true and rare breed of hope and righteousness-"

"Sado." A calm voice called out, silencing him. A horrible chill run up his spine as his whole body froze. Yanun slowly walked through the gathering of people and stopped a few steps behind the one in question. "You are being questioned by Prince Sidon and as one of my fellow people, I expect you to behave accordingly. Be where you should, on your knees."

And as she said it, like a magnet, Sado dropped to his knees. Link noticed an odd, quick expression pass over his face, a mix of fear and anger? But Sado dare not look back at his leader, keeping his eyes forward towards Sidon.

"Much better. Now you do recall what was asked of you, do you not?" Her voice was stern with a threatening edge to it.

"While the little one was the first to draw a punch, I was the one to start the fight. I challenged him, but I refused to take no for an answer. So I insulted him and the champions of Hyrule to force him to attack me."

"Have you no honour!?" Sidon barked, rage swiftly coming to a boil in his veins. "I am most certain that in your time here you have learned of what our great saviours went through to see to the peace that we have today! I thought you held more respect than that, shame on you Sado! I expected more from noble guard."

"I too am disappointed. I expected better from my personal guard." Yanun agreed and added. "If I may, Prince Sidon. I would like to personally see to it that an example will be made of him. If you deem the punishment unworthy, you may do as you wish with him."

Still seething in anger from the thought of this man insulting the champions, his dear sister and worst of all Link. He made a hasty judgment that he would later regret. "Very well, Princess Yanun."

The smaller Zora calmly lifted her right hand, her ring and pinky finger curled to her palm. Other than Sado, the sliver Zora spectating cringed at what they all knew was about to happen. "Sado…" The moment after she spoke his name, her personal guard began gasping for breath and trying to scream at the same time.

"By our law," His muscles visibly spasmed throughout his body, like they had become worms and all as he slowly bent backwards to bear his chest to the sky. With arms spread wide like he was being pulled apart.

"and the will of Prima," An audible snap rang out, yet the shell-shocked audience made no sound as they just publicly witnessed one of Sado's ribs break from an unseen force.

"I hereby remind you of the weight of disrespecting those whom proved their strength in death." Another broke, all watching it sink into his torso like parasite burrowing under his skin. Sado cried out from pain and struggled even harder to breathe, like he was drowning.

It was a sight that could not be unseen. Somehow, someway, Yanun had brought impossible suffering to a man that should have been far superior in strength. Tortured, twisted and broke bones, all by a simple lift of her hand. Link would only ever admit to himself that in the moment that she took her eyes off Sado to meet his gaze, a small sliver of fear washed over him that he had not felt since Ganon. She wielded a dangerous and frightening power that, without a doubt in Link's mind, she could use to kill with ease.

"That's enough!" Link flinched, breaking eye contact, as Sidon managed to recover from the shock to put an end to this nightmarish display. And like that Yanun dropped her hand, leaving Sado's body to go limp and collapse. He lay there panting as his body trembled from exhaustion and pain. Calmer, but still shaken, the prince continued. "That– That is quite enough, Princess Yanun."